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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

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word masterful distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of masterful are domineering, imperative, imperious, and peremptory. While all these words mean "tending to impose one's will on others," masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively.

her masterful personality soon dominated the movement

When could domineering be used to replace masterful?

The words domineering and masterful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will.

children controlled by domineering parents

When is imperative a more appropriate choice than masterful?

While in some cases nearly identical to masterful, imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate.

an imperative appeal for assistance

In what contexts can imperious take the place of masterful?

In some situations, the words imperious and masterful are roughly equivalent. However, imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance.

an imperious executive used to getting his own way

When is it sensible to use peremptory instead of masterful?

Although the words peremptory and masterful have much in common, peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent.

given a peremptory dismissal

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 Although his counting stats faded in 2024, Sims was still masterful at limiting weak contact with his sweeper-heavy repertoire. Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025 Through masterful storytelling and unexpected humor, the play invites audiences to examine America’s founding document through a contemporary lens, creating an unforgettable evening of theater that resonates long after the final bow. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025 From drafting Jalen Hurts in the second round of the 2020 Draft to making crucial trades like bringing in A.J. Brown and drafting key players such as Jalen Carter and DeVonta Smith, Roseman's moves have been nothing short of masterful. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025 Sophomore guards Green, Kensley Vest and Lexi Ehrhardt did a masterful job from that point protecting the ball and keeping it away from the Jaguars. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for masterful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masterful
Adjective
  • Fragile post-conflict governments often struggle to maintain popular support, and without a strong commitment to justice and accountability, there is a real risk that authoritarian tendencies will resurface.
    PATRICK VINCK, Foreign Affairs, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The futuristic worlds that she’s created reflect that, from the dark and dismal cityscapes to the authoritarian prisoner ships run entirely by soulless robots.
    Kyle Wilson, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The actor has one daughter with ex-wife Melanie Griffith and has been dating his girlfriend Nicole Kimpel since 2014. 05 of 09 John Lithgow as Lord Farquaad The actor behind the arrogant Lord Farquaad boasts an impressive career that began decades before Shrek came out in 2001.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Many members of its board appeared arrogant in the face of questions from the prosecutor or one of the lawyers.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • His non-fiction book The Onion Field, published in 1973, would stand as, arguably, his literary masterpiece, a skillful telling of the true tale of a 1963 kidnapping of two LAPD officers and the brutal murder of one of them.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Hackman tamped down all of his gritty charm to embody a squirrely surveillance expert, again showcasing a skillful adaptability early in his career.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • All expert recommendations were derived from interviews.
    Catherine Brock, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Iran, for example, is expert at picking the winners of Iraqi elections.
    Michael Knights, Foreign Affairs, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Here's Your Zodiac Love Compatibility, Based on Your Sign Sagittarius: Rachel Chu from Crazy Rich Asians To maintain her relationship, Rachel takes on a fight with her boyfriend’s domineering mother Eleanor.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025
  • He’s had something of a habit of playing domineering fathers, doing so on Ugly Betty (2006–2007) and as Charles Widmore on Lost (2006–2010).
    Sezin Devi Koehler, EW.com, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • However, comparative studies have found that alternatives like pumpkin seed oil and linoleic acid offer superior hydration.
    Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Lululemon’s Glow Up Super-High-Rise Tight is superior to others in many ways.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In many ways, the Fords were proto-Trumps, proving adept at turning private scandal into surprising public popularity.
    Chris Jones, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The mere act of displaying a series of steps should not be confused with being adept at choosing steps and making sure that the appropriate steps are being utilized.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Bernstein, an outspoken American Jewish conductor renowned for iconic compositions like West Side Story and Candide, was widely admired for his artistic genius and fervent political activism, including marching with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr during the 1960s.
    Court Stroud, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
  • But the types of artistic mediums that the series uses to portray Lumon varies and evolves, as the company itself finds new opportunities to convey its message to employees.
    Abigail Lee, Variety, 15 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Masterful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterful. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

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