as in masterfully
in a skillful or expert manner
ably maneuvered the boat up to the dock
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Recent Examples of ably
Mathis is talented and ably filled a role — albeit a small one — last year.
—
Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 23 May 2025
That’s where director Len Wiseman, who ably directed Underworld and Live Free or Die Hard, follows Popeye’s Doin’ Impossikible Stunts.
—Armond White, National Review, 11 June 2025
In a big cast, ably applied by Knechtges through the larger scenes, Garrett Clayton stands out as an especially effective Hans, Anna’s two-faced, power-seeking-in-disguise prince.
—Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 10 June 2025
The film’s driving ideas, which transform over the course of the picture, are replete with ironic potential, but Flanagan ably navigates the tonal minefield, never presenting the whole thing as a wink-wink joke on his characters.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ably
Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 23 May 2025
That’s where director Len Wiseman, who ably directed Underworld and Live Free or Die Hard, follows Popeye’s Doin’ Impossikible Stunts.
—Armond White, National Review, 11 June 2025
In a big cast, ably applied by Knechtges through the larger scenes, Garrett Clayton stands out as an especially effective Hans, Anna’s two-faced, power-seeking-in-disguise prince.
—Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 10 June 2025
The film’s driving ideas, which transform over the course of the picture, are replete with ironic potential, but Flanagan ably navigates the tonal minefield, never presenting the whole thing as a wink-wink joke on his characters.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ably
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ably
well
Adverb
-
Organizations that prioritize this foundational investment in their people will be the ones best prepared to meet tomorrow’s sophisticated AI threats head-on and emerge stronger.—
Vishaal Hariprasad,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
More people remained missing in those counties as well.—
Joseph Wilkinson,
New York Daily News,
6 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ably.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ably. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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