1
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability
a masterly performance of one of the most difficult ballets in the repertory
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
On Via Montenapoleone, the store’s façade features arched windows crafted by skilled Murano glassmaker Venini.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Additionally, nonprofits, my primary market, remained underserved in technology, ensuring a continuous need for expert guidance.—
Will Freeman,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
-
Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships and more.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Moscow is particularly adept at what is known as hybrid warfare, a raft of tactics that can include targeting vital cables snaking along the seabed.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Currently, there is no formal training program to ensure that a doctor is adept at robotic surgery.—
Uma Raja,
Sun Sentinel,
7 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
-
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
-
Meanwhile, Belinda is set to be honored with the Evolution Award, a special honor that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional growth, transformation, and innovation throughout their artistic journey, and an enduring impact and commitment to evolving their vision and voice.—
Griselda Flores,
Billboard,
8 Apr. 2025
-
The theater’s artistic triumphs (in good seasons) and the raucous, even dangerous neighborhood (nearly every season) are both hardwired into the Times Square DNA.—
Frank Rich,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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 21 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share