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
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
So, there is always another level to illusionism, another more masterly bit of deception.
—Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 3 Nov. 2023
See All Example Sentences for masterly
Adjective
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
So, there is always another level to illusionism, another more masterly bit of deception.
—Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 3 Nov. 2023
See All Example Sentences for masterly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masterly
Adjective
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This skillful painting by Sophie Zhou, a junior at The Kincaid School, was sold for a record $276,000 at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's school art competition auction.—
Shafaq Patel,
Axios,
19 Mar. 2025
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This hints that, yes, skillful storytellers may actually live longer.—
Ron Shachar,
Scientific American,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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That said, a deck of cards in the hands of a masterful street magician is still really awesome, too.—
Tony Bradley,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
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That battle, readers of Othello might remember, plays a significant role in the play’s unfolding tragedy and Iago's masterful plan.—
Dave Quinn,
People.com,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The loss of this skilled support would place a greater burden on active-duty soldiers, who are not trained for many of these back-end roles.—
Solange Charas,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
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Hurley said postgame that Florida’s roster construction — especially the Gators’ skilled two-way bigs and glut of perimeter threats — reminded him of his own rosters, at least for most of the past three seasons.—
Brendan Marks,
The Athletic,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Several legendary fictional detectives have been expert game players and puzzle solvers.—
Sarah Larson,
The New Yorker,
21 Mar. 2025
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Today, an internet connection opens up a world of free and affordable learning—from YouTube channels dedicated to sharing expert knowledge to podcasts and digital libraries packed with nonfiction titles ready to download to a Kindle or other e-reader.—
David Nikel,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The mixture is often constructed around Vessel’s burly croon, which is frequently presented at the front of the mix, but is adept at harvesting accessible hooks out of a crashing breakdown when needed.—
Jason Lipshutz,
Billboard,
26 Mar. 2025
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Quick-footed Trevor Story was adept at vacuuming up the baseball and making a spinning throw to first.—
Patrick Saunders,
The Denver Post,
23 Mar. 2025
Adverb
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The righty was best known for his loud personality and on-field antics.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2025
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Circle is best known as the issuer of USD Coin (USDC), the world’s second-largest stablecoin by market capitalization.—
MacKenzie Sigalos,Tanaya Macheel,
CNBC,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Part of the Chapitre Six Hotels collection, Hana exudes quiet sophistication, with interiors by architect and designer Laura Gonzalez and artistic director Olivier Leone.—
Jenn Rice,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
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An important location for writers and artists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the 138-year-old destination today plays up its intellectual and artistic history with literary gatherings, poetry workshops and live music.—
Evan Rail,
New York Times,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 Superintendent Theresa Plascencia is paid $345,000 a year, presiding over schools where just 16% of students are proficient in reading.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2025
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Only around one-third of students are proficient in these foundational skills needed to succeed in today's economy.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
24 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Masterly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterly. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.
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