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as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude a masterful businesswoman who didn't hesitate to step on a lot of people as she climbed the ladder of success

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word masterful distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of masterful are domineering, imperative, imperious, and peremptory. While all these words mean "tending to impose one's will on others," masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively.

her masterful personality soon dominated the movement

When could domineering be used to replace masterful?

The words domineering and masterful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will.

children controlled by domineering parents

When is imperative a more appropriate choice than masterful?

While in some cases nearly identical to masterful, imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate.

an imperative appeal for assistance

In what contexts can imperious take the place of masterful?

In some situations, the words imperious and masterful are roughly equivalent. However, imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance.

an imperious executive used to getting his own way

When is it sensible to use peremptory instead of masterful?

Although the words peremptory and masterful have much in common, peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent.

given a peremptory dismissal

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of masterful In the track, performed with the masterful voice that characterized him, the artist paints a portrait of male vulnerability, showing a man overcome by a feeling that overwhelms him entirely. Natalia Cano, Billboard, 11 July 2025 But Woo’s masterful performance was not enough for Seattle. Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 11 July 2025 Instead, Netanyahu, who is seen as a masterful politician by friends and foes alike, is expected to thread the needle. Joseph Krauss, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025 At Somni, amid the parade of courses, there’s beautiful plating and masterful technique: In one dish, a healthy quenelle of caviar is perched upon an impossibly light dashi meringue shaped like a fish. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for masterful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masterful
Adjective
  • While Western democracies debate environmental reviews and grid reliability, authoritarian systems can rapidly direct energy flows to computing infrastructure.
    Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • North Korea is under sanctions from the United States — as well as the United Nations and several other countries — largely in response to the isolated authoritarian state's weapons programs.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • As the day goes on, Jim goes from a caricature of an arrogant male director to an oddly compelling picture of a pathetic man, moved by spite toward his ex-wife, Anita.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 July 2025
  • Actor Tyler Hilton played Chris Keller, a charming but arrogant musician, on four seasons of the teen soap.
    Bryan West, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • The result is a skillful balance between dewy and glossy, blushy and gleamy.
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 18 July 2025
  • But despite those skillful trappings, the story soon feels ponderous.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • The plaintiffs are also asking Battaglia to strike the testimony of the county’s expert six witnesses.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 July 2025
  • Following the hollowing-out of the nation’s scientific infrastructure through deep funding cuts and the firing of federal scientists, the executive order is an attempt to rewrite the rules of how our expert bureaucracy operates.
    David Michaels, The Atlantic, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • Louise Fletcher portrays the domineering head nurse Ratched.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2025
  • But Agnes can’t stop barking orders, leaving the household staff at a loss over who to listen to — their domineering former boss or the woman signing their paychecks.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • As a collective, HQ Portfolio stocks provided superior returns with lower risk compared to the benchmark index; a smoother journey, as evidenced in HQ Portfolio performance metrics.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • The Chicago Cubs have been passed up by the Milwaukee Brewers for the National League Central lead, and that's due to the Brewers' superior pitching staff.
    Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Customer service reps, especially those with experience, are adept at handling these data discrepancies.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • The ants that nest in pots are adept at picking up their colonies and moving them quickly, says Liesch.
    Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • According to Jacobo Lovo, managing artistic director of Latino Arts, the mural has welcomed thousands of UCC visitors every year.
    Kylie Volavongsa, jsonline.com, 26 July 2025
  • Because despite dwindling ticket sales and flailing artistic reputation, Trump’s domestic policy bill provides over $250 million to the center, six times the amount normally allocated.
    Christine Ledbetter, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Masterful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterful. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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