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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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
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He is known for his skillful wedge game and a booming drive, but at Memorial Park, his whole game coalesced perfectly.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The song is punctuated with a dizzying guitar solo, a reflection of the album’s masterful instrumentation that feels connected to the sprawling guitar work of Mk.gee, another shadowy pop force.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
3 Apr. 2025
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Ron Howard, a legendary filmmaker, delivers a masterful vision at the peak of his craft.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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However, even the most skilled clinicians can struggle if the technology is difficult to use.—
Jiang Li,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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Taking the next step TCU reached the Elite Eight thanks to a highly skilled offense led by Van Lith, Conner and Prince.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Image Image Image 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.—
Todd Anderson,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2025
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Led by expert marine aquarists, participants have the chance to get up close and personal with tropical fish, sting rays, and colorful reefs, all while learning more about life underwater.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Currently, there is no formal training program to ensure that a doctor is adept at robotic surgery.—
Uma Raja,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Apr. 2025
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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
Adverb
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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
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Even better, the formula is ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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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 16 Apr. 2025.
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