1
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability
a masterful performance of a difficult piece for the violin
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in authoritarian
fond of ordering people around
a masterful coworker who liked to tell other people how to do their jobs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude
a masterful businesswoman who didn't hesitate to step on a lot of people as she climbed the ladder of success
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in skillful
having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor
a president who was celebrated as a masterful communicator of his administration's policies
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 masterful
His prose style is masterful and humorously conversational.
—
Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2025
The look was designed by Tolu Coker, a British-Nigerian designer celebrated for masterful tailoring that fuses masculine aesthetics with feminine silhouettes, brought to life through loud, vivid patterns.
—Essence, 9 May 2025
The Brazilian had just scored the third goal of the visitors’ masterful comeback from 2-0 down.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 8 May 2025
This masterful, polished bourbon exemplifies the refinement possible with extended aging under optimal conditions.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for masterful
Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2025
The look was designed by Tolu Coker, a British-Nigerian designer celebrated for masterful tailoring that fuses masculine aesthetics with feminine silhouettes, brought to life through loud, vivid patterns.
—Essence, 9 May 2025
The Brazilian had just scored the third goal of the visitors’ masterful comeback from 2-0 down.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 8 May 2025
This masterful, polished bourbon exemplifies the refinement possible with extended aging under optimal conditions.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for masterful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masterful
Adjective
-
From 2019 to 2020, the authoritarian petrostate paid $115,000 a month to now–Attorney General Pam Bondi and her firm to lobby on its behalf.—
Yair Rosenberg,
The Atlantic,
15 May 2025
-
The congressman sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s foreign policy, accusing him of prioritizing personal spectacle and showing admiration for authoritarian leaders.—
Heather Hunter,
The Washington Examiner,
14 May 2025
Adjective
-
For example, when a man in his sixties talks about the same thing, he’s seen as calm and logical, but when a woman in her twenties talks about it, she’s seen as arrogant or trying to act mature.—
Billboard Japan,
Billboard,
15 May 2025
-
By losing some of its arrogant charm, Doom has also lost the means to back it up.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
These additional components underscore the importance of music, movement, libations, skillful presentation, and audience participation to masquerade more broadly.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
-
Who lives and who dies depends on a slew of variable factors: Where they are tried, how skillful their attorneys are, the whims of prosecutors, quirks in the law, the dispositions of judges and jurors, and what victims want.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships and more.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
21 May 2025
-
There won’t be a tipping point, because the other side is too expert at lying.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
18 May 2025
Adjective
-
The trial had revealed Blue Cross’ domineering behavior.—
T. Christian Miller,
ProPublica,
12 Apr. 2025
-
As mild-mannered schoolteacher Mr. Lisbon, James Woods plays a quiet counterpoint to his domineering wife.—
Sezin Devi Koehler,
EW.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The list is ranked alphabetically, so Tigers and Jayhawks won’t be able to fight over the superior college town this time.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
14 May 2025
-
The result is not only a potential pathway to carbon neutrality but also a cleaner-burning fuel that has already demonstrated superior visible emissions in tests.—
Afdhel Aziz,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
Adjective
-
In addition to her prowess at finding the net in soccer, Nelson is adept at hitting balls over the net as a tennis player.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
-
Adebayo, who is adept at switching onto smalls, had been a second- or first-team All-Defensive selection for five consecutive seasons — until this season.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
Despite her formidable workload as Dior’s artistic director of women’s collections, Chiuri has also taken on a personal project: restoring a historic theater in her hometown.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
14 May 2025
-
Still, the size of the crew is less significant than the fact that their work embodies a practice—even an artistic repertory of gestures—that is visually evident even without reference to the credits.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Masterful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterful. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share