1
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability
a masterly performance of one of the most difficult ballets in the repertory
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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as in masterfully
in a skillful or expert manner
a masterly executed somersault
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of masterly
Maya Phillips, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2023
So, there is always another level to illusionism, another more masterly bit of deception.
—Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 3 Nov. 2023
We are most acquainted with her hunter, Ridgeway, who in the fourth episode is given a flashback treatment that is a masterly depiction of neurotic white masculinity.
—Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 14 May 2021
María Kodama, a writer and translator who was best known for guarding the legacy of her husband, the masterly Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges, died on March 26 in the Buenos Aires suburb of Vincente López.
—Neil Genzlinger, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2023
See all Example Sentences for masterly 
Adjective
The scene offered a preview of how perfectly Tennant’s Doctor would embody the duality of this hero through his three-plus seasons in the TARDIS — a masterly balance of stillness and chatter, heft and levity.
—Maya Phillips, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2023
So, there is always another level to illusionism, another more masterly bit of deception.
—Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 3 Nov. 2023
We are most acquainted with her hunter, Ridgeway, who in the fourth episode is given a flashback treatment that is a masterly depiction of neurotic white masculinity.
—Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 14 May 2021
María Kodama, a writer and translator who was best known for guarding the legacy of her husband, the masterly Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges, died on March 26 in the Buenos Aires suburb of Vincente López.
—Neil Genzlinger, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2023
See all Example Sentences for masterly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masterly
Adjective
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Both versions delivered a skillful cocktail of laughs and scares without true paranormal activity.Anupama Chopra, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
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Also, Cignetti’s skillful use of NIL resources to help build a talented roster has been remarkable.Mark LaSota, Ph.D., Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The masterful subtlety of light brushstrokes and the troublingly realistic sfumato of the Renaissance painter in the service of god or a noblewoman elevated the work and, by extension, its maker to celebrity.Ruby Justice Thelot, ARTnews.com, 1 Nov. 2024
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Dodgers manager Dave Roberts just took the ball from him in the top of the seventh inning after a masterful performance.Greg Rosenstein, NBC News, 27 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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Granted, this is a long and convoluted path to my main point: To deflect further assaults on democratic norms, Trump’s foes will need a skilled, focused and thoughtful leader.Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 15 Nov. 2024
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Rebuilding Notre Dame required help from skilled craftsmen from around the globe and the use of tools — created on-site — that match those used by the original workers who built the cathedral centuries ago.Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Explaining the realities of decarbonizing to less expert audiences with strongly held views takes determination, patience and leadership.Dean Donovan, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
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Courtney Klosterman is a home insights expert at Hippo Insurance.Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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College professors complain that the students coming to them aren’t even adept at reading books.Karin Klein, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
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Most foreign governments have become adept over the years at managing Washington, the multilayered and federal U.S. political system.Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024
Adverb
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Two items better known for cleaning swimming pools and moisturizing dry skin might help protect the Earth’s corals and decrease antibiotic resistance and pollution in the ocean.Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Nov. 2024
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This headlamp is versatile enough for most activities, though well suited for running.Ashley Thess, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The company was founded in 1974, in the wake of New York’s 1969 Stonewall Uprising, said artistic director Tory Dobrin.Duante Beddingfield, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024
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The theater's new associate artistic director cara hinh will direct.Holly V. Hays, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The school's latest test scores show 15% of students were proficient readers and 13% were proficient in math.Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 19 Nov. 2024
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Schools were assessed on the number of students proficient or above proficient on mathematics and reading/language arts state assessments.Cailey Gleeson, Journal Sentinel, 15 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near masterly
Cite this Entry
“Masterly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterly. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
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