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
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
We are most acquainted with her hunter, Ridgeway, who in the fourth episode is given a flashback treatment that is a masterly depiction of neurotic white masculinity.
—Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 14 May 2021
See All Example Sentences for masterly
Adjective
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
We are most acquainted with her hunter, Ridgeway, who in the fourth episode is given a flashback treatment that is a masterly depiction of neurotic white masculinity.
—Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 14 May 2021
See All Example Sentences for masterly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masterly
Adjective
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Saros With Returnal, developer Housemarque made the skillful transition from shmup to third-person shooter.—
Jordan Minor,
PCMAG,
13 Feb. 2025
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My partner’s organization, energy, confidence, focus, and skillful ability to take charge?—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
13 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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From drafting Jalen Hurts in the second round of the 2020 Draft to making crucial trades like bringing in A.J. Brown and drafting key players such as Jalen Carter and DeVonta Smith, Roseman's moves have been nothing short of masterful.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
14 Feb. 2025
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Sophomore guards Green, Kensley Vest and Lexi Ehrhardt did a masterful job from that point protecting the ball and keeping it away from the Jaguars.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The roster features skilled players who have to be ambitious enough to recognize the awareness of always being secondary in the show.—
Jason Jones,
The Athletic,
15 Feb. 2025
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The skilled stars perfectly strike the blend of comedic relief and moving moments of wisdom.—
Raven Brunner,
People.com,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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When the researchers tested the system using videos of 158 real-world cases, 53% of reports written by the surgeons contained discrepancies, compared with 29% of AI reports, as determined by an expert team of reviewers.—
Nancy Lapid,
USA TODAY,
15 Feb. 2025
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Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.—
Emily Goligoski,
New York Times,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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As excellent as Evans was as Cap, Mackie’s shown equal skill in crafting his own version of what that character should mean – in his case, weathering the pressures and politics of being a national symbol and being as adept with his words as his fists.—
Brian Truitt,
USA TODAY,
14 Feb. 2025
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For years after 2014, the Russian government was equally adept at manipulating the outside world.—
NATALIYA GUMENYUK,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Feb. 2025
Adverb
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On Memorial Day weekend in 2023, Fritz was well enough to enjoy a visit from Wolfe ― the pair's first meetup in about three years, his former co-star says.—
Courtney Crowder,
USA TODAY,
25 Feb. 2025
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The song starts off with Wallen’s thoughts of how Indigo will grow to learn more about the life his father has led to this point — surely, the incredible career accomplishments, but the low points as well.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The designer has been vocal about aiming at always including artistic and cultural events in the stores.—
Luisa Zargani,
WWD,
19 Feb. 2025
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People under the water sign are typically compassionate, artistic, intuitive, and wise.—
Janae McKenzie,
Glamour,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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And in eighth grade, a mere 31 percent were deemed proficient.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
7 Feb. 2025
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Neither decline is considered significantly different by NCES but continue a worrisome trend: Fewer than 3 in 10 local test-takers scored proficient — or better — in reading.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
29 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Masterly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterly. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
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