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View synonyms for

masterful

[mas-ter-fuhl, mah-ster-]

adjective

  1. dominating; self-willed; imperious.

    Synonyms:
  2. having or showing the qualities of a master; authoritative; powerful.

  3. showing mastery or skill; masterly.

    a masterful performance.

    Synonyms: , , , , , ,


masterful

/ ˈɑːəʊ /

adjective

  1. having or showing mastery

  2. fond of playing the master; imperious

  3. masterly

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Usage

The use of masterful to mean masterly as in a masterful performance , although common, is considered incorrect by many people
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Confusables Note

At an earlier time, both masterful and masterly had two senses: “having a commanding or domineering nature or manner” and “possessing the skill of a master.” The earliest sense of masterly, “having a commanding nature,” has been obsolete since the 18th century. Masterful continues to be used in all varieties of speech and writing in both senses, despite the protests of some who prefer that masterful be restricted to the sense “dominating or imperious”: The envoy's masterful behavior irritated the citizens. Few painters have produced so many masterful (or masterly ) portraits.
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Other Word Forms

  • masterfully adverb
  • masterfulness noun
  • overmasterful adjective
  • overmasterfully adverb
  • overmasterfulness noun
  • unmasterful adjective
  • unmasterfully adverb
  • ˈٱڳܱԱ noun
  • ˈٱڳܱ adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of masterful1

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English; master, -ful
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The judges called the book an "astonishing debut... a masterful blend of history, suspense and historical authenticity".

From

He noted: "There's so much to weigh up when you're emulating the masterful way the body handles every complex movement, or social matters and invitations, or day-to-day life in general."

From

Root combined with Harry Brook for a third-wicket stand of 85, before a masterful partnership of 143 with Will Jacks put England within touching distance of victory.

From

Matt Roush adds, “Subtlety rarely wins awards, but I’d like to see Harrison Ford’s masterful underplaying as ‘Shrinking’s’ grouchy shrink prove me wrong.”

From

The 22-year-old Spaniard took full advantage with some masterful play in the second set, sealing the title with a cross-court volley at the net.

From

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