MASTERLY Synonyms: 155 Similar and Opposite Words

masterly 1 of 2

adjective

ˈma-stər-lē

Definition of masterly

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

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

masterly

2 of 2

adverb

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

Adjective

Wolf Hall is the first — and my favorite — of the masterly trilogy which follows the rise of Thomas Crowell, advisor to Henry VIII. — Phillipa Gregory, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025 The masterly second installment of Wolf Hall retails permanent lessons in power. — Martha Bayles, National Review, 17 Apr. 2025

Adverb

Les Bleus continue their masterly run through the World Cup, winning by multiple goals for the fifth time in six matches. — Joe Murphy, NBC news, 9 July 2026 At age 31, chef de cuisine at the restaurant Alain Ducasse (at the Essex House hotel in New York City), one of the city's finest establishments, Didier is a masterly cook with a rigorous classical training. — Jeffrey Steingarten, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for masterly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for masterly

Adjective

Every day, the virtuoso violinist plays for an audience of travelers, with his stage in the pedestrian tunnel that links the CTA and parking garages to the terminals.

— Noel Brennan, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Through 107 career games, Minten’s profile has leaned more toward dependable cello player than virtuoso first violinist.

— Fluto Shinzawa, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of virtuoso

Adjective

But be that guy that can be skillful, a bruiser, fast and tough.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026
As Musashi scrambles through a school of Samurai, the game seamlessly bounces between skillful swordplay, rowdy improvisation, and Looney Tunes-style levity.

— Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of skillful

Adverb

Ahluwalia x Puma Blending the designer’s Indian-Nigerian culture with Puma’s legendary sportswear designs, this partnership masterfully resulted in a colorful, chic athleisure capsule.

— Virginia Corneli, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026
The Soundcore Select 4 Go pairs an adventure-proof IP67 design with exceptional 20-hour battery life masterfully.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of masterfully

Adjective

Atlanta United fell to Inter Miami FC 3-1 at home on Saturday night as Messi delivered a masterful performance.

— Amna Subhan, AJC.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Arcel is masterful in a character study whose protagonist is often unreadable and elusive — and whose previously unexposed inner cold streak proves catastrophic to her community.

— Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of masterful

Adjective

Indeed, Rabe might just have the toughest job of all, and not because she is regularly called upon to joust (sometimes loudly) with performers as skilled and, to repeat, beloved as Louis-Dreyfus and Harris.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2026
Using that information to inform computer models, the scientists found that mosasaurs were skilled ambush predators built for a quick sneak attack.

— October 16, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of skilled

Adverb

When daily life can feel quite bruising and fractious, documentaries skillfully encourage us to let our guard down and connect with real-life stories and people… sometimes challenging, often invigorating, and always meaningful.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026
Baseball serves as a test platform for these underlying capabilities, with dexterous manipulation, the ability to handle objects skillfully and reliably, remaining the larger objective.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of skillfully

Adjective

Is there a future for the kinds of musical deja vu the Avalanches are so adept at evoking?

— Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026
The august speakers included an Oxford don, a Harvard strategy professor, a New York Times reporter, and … me, the lone representative for the young and technologically adept, unencumbered by conventional wisdom.

— Jeff DeGraff, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of adept

Browse Nearby Words

masterliness

masterly

mastermind

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Style

“Masterly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterly. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of masterly

adjective

adverb

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