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

The 2003 recording that appears on 2009’s The Live Anthology box set is eight minutes long, with a virtuoso performance by keyboardist Benmont Tench on the lengthy instrumental bridge.

— Al Shipley, SPIN, 7 Aug. 2026
The visual essay below features virtuoso examples of the techniques that designers have used to replicate the ideals of classical dress over the years, including draping, pleating, twisting, and wrapping.

— Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 16 July 2026

Definition of virtuoso

Adjective

What is not explicit on screen or in the financial results is the intense amount of skillful work, preparation, promotion, production, marketing, and ad sales that goes on behind the scenes.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026
The Norwegian soccer superstar, 26, took social media by storm throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup, between his skillful talent on the pitch and his team’s celebratory Viking row.

— Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026

Definition of skillful

Adverb

That was the trademark philosophy of legendary interior designer Albert Hadley, who masterfully shaped high-society taste for decades.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2026
The action sequences in this film aren’t overpowering, but they are masterfully choreographed.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of masterfully

Adjective

After all, indie podcasters are in danger of being sidelined by the large podcast networks, even though indie podcasters are overwhelmingly responsible for the creatively masterful podcasts.

— Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Both of them are masterful big-buck killers and have some tricks for tipping the odds slightly in their favor.

— Scott Einsmann, Outdoor Life, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of masterful

Adjective

Analyzing a potential legal challenge The prospect of a trans woman who is skilled enough at basketball to play in the WNBA and who seeks employment in the WNBA is uncertain and, for now, speculative.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Aug. 2026
PwC’s 2025 Global AI Jobs Barometer found that AI-skilled workers earned a 56% average wage premium in 2024 and that required skills are changing 66% faster in roles most exposed to AI.

— Daniel Gumucio, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of skilled

Adjective

However, the Migration follows rain and grass, not a fixed calendar, which is why expert planning is essential.

— Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Ahead, Vogue’s definitive guide to the best perfumes for women, along with expert tips on finding the perfect scent that feels uniquely yours.

— Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of expert

Adjective

Cars are becoming more soundproof Today’s drivers aren’t hearing sirens, law enforcement agencies contend, because modern vehicles are adept at noise-blocking.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
Water starts rapidly flooding the house, with a creature swimming through, clearly adept at moving underwater as had been predicted.

— William Earl, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of adept

Browse Nearby Words

masterliness

masterly

mastermind

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Masterly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterly. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of masterly

adjective

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on masterly

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

salvo

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Words of the Week - Aug. 14

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes