1
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability
a masterly performance of one of the most difficult ballets in the repertory
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in skillful
having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor
a masterly handling of a complex topic in philosophy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in masterfully
in a skillful or expert manner
a masterly executed somersault
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of masterly
Foreign Affairs, 19 Dec. 2019
His accent was unaccented, and his biking around the city was masterly.
—Hannah Whitaker, The New Yorker, 22 Apr. 2024
His handling of her final moments, ultimately placing her calmly sitting on the edge of the stage, is masterly.
—David Benedict, Variety, 3 Apr. 2024
The scene offered a preview of how perfectly Tennant’s Doctor would embody the duality of this hero through his three-plus seasons in the TARDIS — a masterly balance of stillness and chatter, heft and levity.
—Maya Phillips, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2023
See All Example Sentences for masterly
Adjective
The authors of this concise and masterly introduction to the topic go some way toward filling that gap.
—Foreign Affairs, 19 Dec. 2019
His accent was unaccented, and his biking around the city was masterly.
—Hannah Whitaker, The New Yorker, 22 Apr. 2024
His handling of her final moments, ultimately placing her calmly sitting on the edge of the stage, is masterly.
—David Benedict, Variety, 3 Apr. 2024
The scene offered a preview of how perfectly Tennant’s Doctor would embody the duality of this hero through his three-plus seasons in the TARDIS — a masterly balance of stillness and chatter, heft and levity.
—Maya Phillips, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2023
See All Example Sentences for masterly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masterly
Adjective
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Elegant materials, bespoke furnishings, skillful layering of textures, and eye-catching lighting are all hallmarks of Hogarty’s soulful spaces, and the firm seeks to create an emotional response with its polished yet comfortable aesthetic.—
Elizabeth Stamp,
Architectural Digest,
15 Apr. 2025
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Hiring managers must learn to distinguish between misuse and skillful application to capture a candidate’s ability to tackle real-world challenges.—
Bing Yu Yap,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Though White occasionally fell short tying together all the threads — a few songs ambled deep into the weeds and nearly suffocated from their complexity — his masterful guitar techniques and kinetic vocals made the detours worthwhile.—
Bob Gendron,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2025
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Following a masterful opening round at Augusta National, round one leader Justin Rose came back to earth on Friday, allowing much of the field to move within striking distance heading to the weekend.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This three-hour experience is led by a skilled guide who will keep you safe, take photographs, and give you detailed information about the bridge and surrounding areas along the way.—
Wendy Altschuler,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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On Via Montenapoleone, the store’s façade features arched windows crafted by skilled Murano glassmaker Venini.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Art Weston, a Kentucky resident, went to Lake Livingston, Texas, to catch an alligator gar with the help of an expert guide and fisherman, Captain Kirk Kirkland.—
Ashley J. DiMella Fox News,
FOXNews.com,
15 Apr. 2025
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Additionally, nonprofits, my primary market, remained underserved in technology, ensuring a continuous need for expert guidance.—
Will Freeman,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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This new species, found near the summit, is adept at moving through trees and has bright blue skin visible only when inflated.—
Stories by Real-Time news team, with AI summarization,
Miami Herald,
18 Apr. 2025
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Gadsden was adept at making contested catches and receptions downfield.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
15 Apr. 2025
Adverb
-
The news arrives just last year after the Academy’s historic announcement of a best casting category, which will be awarded for the first time at the 98th ceremony in 2026.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2025
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Meanwhile, inflation cooled in March, putting price increases well below a peak attained in 2022, fresh data on Thursday showed.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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This simple, yet challenging, theme breaks from traditional norms in order to build a strong and resonant artistic brand.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
21 Apr. 2025
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Loloi rug collections is named for a street in the West Village, the historically artistic neighborhood where Brent launched his career and currently lives with his family.—
Morgan Goldberg,
Architectural Digest,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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That score means those students haven’t mastered even the basic skills needed to become proficient readers.—
Silas Allen,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Apr. 2025
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What’s Included in Your Climb A proficient climb leader will be with you the entire way, from start to finish.—
Wendy Altschuler,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Masterly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterly. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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