Definitions

masterful

[mas-ter-fuhl, mah-ster-] / ˈmæs tər fəl, ˈmɑ stər- /

ADJECTIVE

expert, skilled

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adroit deft excellent exquisite first-rate masterly skillful

WEAK

adept clever consummate crack crackerjack dexterous fine finished master preeminent proficient superior superlative supreme transcendent

Antonyms

STRONGEST

awkward clumsy imperfect inept inferior poor unskilled unskillful

WEAK

amateurish ignorant stupid unproficient

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The misplaced foot is something of an optical illusion, due mainly to Trumbull’s less than masterful drawing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 4, 2026

Early has a masterful understanding of both melodrama’s power and its inherent comedy.

From Salon • Jun. 22, 2026

Huang is a masterful CEO, but he can’t change the facts on the ground.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

The masterful move addressed the Rams’ most pressing need and gave them a Super Bowl-ready roster.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026

“But that is because he is a director of the line, not because he has a masterful character.”

From "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie

masterful

Example Sentences

Related Words