1
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability
a masterful performance of a difficult piece for the violin
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of masterful
The evening’s program was a masterful blend of East and West, past and present—a true testament to the universal power of music.
—
Noel Burgess, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
In early episodes, Sandy is drawn as brittle and almost mean, but Tarver’s masterful deadpan and inherent vulnerability helps to humanize the aloof CFO.
—EW.com, 27 Feb. 2025
That said, a deck of cards in the hands of a masterful street magician is still really awesome, too.
—Tony Bradley, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
That battle, readers of Othello might remember, plays a significant role in the play’s unfolding tragedy and Iago's masterful plan.
—Dave Quinn, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for masterful
Noel Burgess, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
In early episodes, Sandy is drawn as brittle and almost mean, but Tarver’s masterful deadpan and inherent vulnerability helps to humanize the aloof CFO.
—EW.com, 27 Feb. 2025
That said, a deck of cards in the hands of a masterful street magician is still really awesome, too.
—Tony Bradley, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
That battle, readers of Othello might remember, plays a significant role in the play’s unfolding tragedy and Iago's masterful plan.
—Dave Quinn, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for masterful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for masterful
Adjective
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Other writers and artists have also begun to mine this era for clues to China’s current authoritarian malaise.—
Ian Johnson,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2025
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Since taking office just a few weeks ago, President Trump has rapidly depleted the reservoir of America’s soft power with an authoritarian bent and astonishing speed.—
Penny Abeywardena,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Ava Daniels is a young comedy writer who is unable to find work due to an insensitive tweet and her reputation for being self-centered and arrogant.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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And the villains, of course, exuding every nastily relatable emotion; the stepmothers and sorceresses are vain, arrogant, dismissive, lonely, rude, and outrageous.—
Darren Franich,
Vulture,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Hiring managers must learn to distinguish between misuse and skillful application to capture a candidate’s ability to tackle real-world challenges.—
Bing Yu Yap,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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He is known for his skillful wedge game and a booming drive, but at Memorial Park, his whole game coalesced perfectly.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Image Image Image Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.—
Todd Anderson,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2025
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Led by expert marine aquarists, participants have the chance to get up close and personal with tropical fish, sting rays, and colorful reefs, all while learning more about life underwater.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Carrie is described as a reimagining of the story of misfit high-schooler Carrie White, who has spent her life in seclusion with her domineering mother.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
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Perhaps most frustrating to Mainers: the domineering influence of Boston in the state’s government.—
Made by History,
Time,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The curved, low-profile silhouette creates a modern spin on the otherwise classic design, while the chair’s high-density foam filling offers superior support.—
Megan Schaltegger,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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Dividend income provides emotional comfort, emotional comfort encourages good investment behavior and good investment behavior creates superior long-term returns.—
Jenny Van Leeuwen Harrington,
CNBC,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Moscow is particularly adept at what is known as hybrid warfare, a raft of tactics that can include targeting vital cables snaking along the seabed.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
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Currently, there is no formal training program to ensure that a doctor is adept at robotic surgery.—
Uma Raja,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Meanwhile, Belinda is set to be honored with the Evolution Award, a special honor that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional growth, transformation, and innovation throughout their artistic journey, and an enduring impact and commitment to evolving their vision and voice.—
Griselda Flores,
Billboard,
8 Apr. 2025
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The theater’s artistic triumphs (in good seasons) and the raucous, even dangerous neighborhood (nearly every season) are both hardwired into the Times Square DNA.—
Frank Rich,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Masterful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/masterful. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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