mastery

noun

ˈma-st(ə-)rē How to pronounce mastery (audio)
Definition of masterynext
1
as in proficiency
a highly developed skill in or knowledge of something the exchange student returned from her year in Spain with a complete mastery of the language

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in power
the right or means to command or control others the British monarch has only token mastery over the citizens of the United Kingdom

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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 mastery There is something delightful about the mastery of the perfect T-shirt. — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 2026 Individuals often inadvertently sabotage their own careers, mistaking these behaviors for responsibility or mastery. — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Even in this elite group, Zaks’ mastery of the temporal and spatial dimensions of electronic composition makes his work stand out. — H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 27 July 2026 The actor and comedian best known for Parks and Recreation and The Last of Us has long been better known by some others for his mastery of a different creative skillset — woodworking. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for mastery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mastery
  1. proficiency
  2. power
  3. control
  4. dominion
  5. sway
Noun
  • The dramatic swings in literacy proficiency have sent shockwaves through the education community.
    — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Google says training across languages, dialects, and different proficiency levels helped the model learn structures shared between sign languages.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of proficiency
Noun
  • Since Chinese leader Xi Jinping came to power in 2012, many aspects of personal life for members of the Communist Party or the state sector, from divorce to travel and social activities, have come under increasing scrutiny.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The genius villain is telepathic and has several powers, including superhuman strength, telekinesis, energy projection, shapeshifting and teleportation.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of power
Noun
  • Temperature control requires some attention, as the trailers can heat up quickly in direct sunlight and cool dramatically after dark.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Virna Jandiroba just took her down nine times and didn’t do much with that top control.
    — Brett Appley, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of control
Noun
  • The mandate was awarded to Great Britain but was to be exercised by South Africa (then a dominion within the British Empire).
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
  • More recently, the tiny Delica Mini has expanded the Delica's dominion, flashing some adventure and camping chops of its own.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of dominion
Noun
  • Carr also believes large media companies such as Disney and NBCUniversal parent Comcast hold too much sway over the stations affiliated with their networks.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
  • It is inextricably linked to our engines of search, which have steadily gained in independent volition under its sway.
    — Jan Tumlir, Artforum, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of sway

Browse Nearby Words

masterworks
mastery
masticate
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Cite this Entry

“Mastery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mastery. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on mastery

Nglish: Translation of mastery for Spanish Speakers

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