If you describe someone as masterful, you mean they behave in a way which shows that they are in control of a situation and can tell other people what to do.
[approval]
Big, successful moves need bold, masterful managers.
2. adjective
If you describe someone's behaviour or actions as masterful, you mean that they show great skill.
...a masterful performance of boxing and punching skills.
Synonyms: skilful, skilled, expert, finished More Synonyms of masterful
More Synonyms of masterful
masterful in British English
(ˈmɑːstəfʊl)
adjective
1.
having or showing mastery
2.
fond of playing the master; imperious
3.
masterly
▶ USAGE The use of masterful to mean masterly as in a masterful performance, although common, is considered incorrect by many people
Derived forms
masterfully (ˈmasterfully)
adverb
masterfulness (ˈmasterfulness)
noun
masterful in American English
(ˈmæstərfəl)
adjective
1.
fond of acting the part of a master; domineering; imperious
2.
having or showing the ability of a master; expert; skillful; masterly
usage objected to by some
SYNONYMY NOTE: masterful implies such strength of personality as enables one to impose his will on others[a masterful orchestral conductor]; domineering implies the arrogant, tyrannical manner of one who openly tries to dominate another[a domineering mother]; imperious suggests the arbitrary ruling of an emperor, but connotes less arrogance than , domineering [the imperious old dean of the college]; magisterial, while not suggesting an assumption of arbitrary powers, implies an excessive useor display of such inherent powers as a magistrate might have [he dismissed me with a magisterial air]
Derived forms
masterfully (ˈmasterfully)
adverb
masterfulness (ˈmasterfulness)
noun
Examples of 'masterful' in a sentence
masterful
Yesterday he picked up all four wickets with a masterful display of swing bowling.
The Sun (2013)
It's a masterful study of gentle eccentricity.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
It was a masterful, controlled performance under the most intense pressure.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
His performance remains masterful for its integrity and sincerity: a gulp made his emotions evident yet kept them in check.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Imagine is a masterful performance.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Here is another masterful study of loneliness, desperation and inadequacy from the irreplaceable Storyville strand.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
It is a masterful naturalistic performance, combining anger and despair with humour, resilience and altruism.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It's a paean to the beauty of the English countryside and a masterful study of gentle eccentricity.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
1 (adjective)
Definition
showing great skill
a masterful performance of boxing
Synonyms
skilful
his skilful use of light and shade
skilled
skilled workers, such as plumbers
expert
The faces of the waxworks are modelled by expert sculptors.
finished
fine
This is a fine book.
masterly
They gave a masterly performance.
excellent
We complimented him on doing an excellent job.
crack (informal)
He is said to be a crack shot.
supreme
clever
My father was very clever with his hands.
superior
He's got a superior car, and it's easy to win races that way.
world-class
He was determined to become a world-class tennis player.
exquisite
The hotel features friendly staff and exquisite cuisine.
tasty (British, informal)
adept
He is an adept guitar player.
consummate
He acted the part with consummate skill.
first-rate
They were dealing with a first-rate professional.
deft
Her movements were neat and deft.
superlative
Some superlative wines are made in this region.
adroit
She is a remarkably adroit politician.
dexterous
the composer's dextrous manipulation of pauses and silence
Opposites
incompetent
,
clumsy
,
inept
,
unskilled
,
amateurish
,
untalented
,
unaccomplished
2 (adjective)
Definition
domineering or authoritarian
Successful businesses need bold, masterful managers.
Synonyms
domineering
They are not domineering parents.
authoritative
She has an authoritative manner.
dictatorial
a dictatorial management style
bossy (informal)
She remembers being a rather bossy little girl.
arrogant
an air of arrogant indifference
imperious
She gave him a witheringly imperious look.
overbearing
an arrogant and overbearing man
tyrannical
Tyrannical dictators rarely last for long.
magisterial
his magisterial voice and bearing
despotic
The country was ruled by a despotic tyrant.
high-handed
He wants to be seen as less bossy and high-handed.
peremptory
He treated his colleagues in a peremptory manner.
overweening
his overweening arrogance and pride
self-willed
Opposites
weak
,
meek
,
spineless
,
irresolute
,
wussy (slang)
,
wimpish or wimpy (informal)
Usage note
In current usage there is a lot of overlap between the meanings of masterful and masterly. According to some, the first should only be used where there is a connotation of power and domination, the second where the connotations are of great skill. Nevertheless, as the Bank of English shows, the majority of uses of masterful these days relate to the second meaning, as in musically, it was a masterful display of the folk singer's art. Anyone wishing to observe the distinction would use only masterly in the context just given, and masterful in contexts such as: she was masterful with the strong-willed horse; Alec was so masterful that he surprised himself.
Additional synonyms
in the sense of adept
Definition
proficient in something requiring skill
He is an adept guitar player.
Synonyms
skilful,
able,
skilled,
expert,
masterly,
practised,
accomplished,
versed,
tasty (British, informal),
masterful,
proficient,
adroit,
dexterous
in the sense of adroit
Definition
quick and skilful in how one behaves or thinks
She is a remarkably adroit politician.
Synonyms
skilful,
able,
skilled,
expert,
bright,
clever,
tasty (British, informal),
apt,
cunning,
ingenious,
adept,
deft,
nimble,
masterful,
proficient,
artful,
quick-witted,
dexterous,
neat
in the sense of arrogant
Definition
having an exaggerated opinion of one's own importance or ability
an air of arrogant indifference
Synonyms
conceited,
lordly,
assuming,
proud,
swaggering,
pompous,
pretentious,
stuck up (informal),
cocky,
contemptuous,
blustering,
imperious,
overbearing,
haughty,
scornful,
puffed up,
egotistical,
disdainful,
self-important,
presumptuous,
high-handed,
insolent,
supercilious,
high and mighty (informal),
overweening,
immodest,
swollen-headed,
bigheaded (informal),
uppish (British, informal),
too big for your boots or breeches
Nearby words of
masterful
massive
mast
master
masterful
masterly
mastermind
masterpiece
Synonyms of 'masterful'
masterful
Explore 'masterful' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of authoritative
Definition
possessing authority
She has an authoritative manner.
Synonyms
commanding,
lordly,
masterly,
imposing,
dominating,
confident,
decisive,
imperative,
assertive,
autocratic,
dictatorial,
dogmatic,
imperious,
self-assured,
peremptory
in the sense of bossy
Definition
domineering, overbearing, or authoritarian
She remembers being a rather bossy little girl.
Synonyms
domineering,
lordly,
arrogant,
authoritarian,
oppressive,
hectoring,
autocratic,
dictatorial,
coercive,
imperious,
overbearing,
tyrannical,
despotic,
high-handed
in the sense of clever
Definition
skilful with one's hands
My father was very clever with his hands.
Synonyms
skilful,
able,
talented,
gifted,
capable,
inventive,
adroit,
dexterous
in the sense of consummate
Definition
supremely skilled
He acted the part with consummate skill.
Synonyms
skilled,
perfect,
supreme,
polished,
superb,
practised,
accomplished,
tasty (British, informal),
matchless
in the sense of crack
Definition
first-class or excellent
He is said to be a crack shot.
Synonyms
first-class,
choice,
excellent,
ace (informal),
elite,
superior,
world-class,
first-rate,
hand-picked
in the sense of deft
Definition
quick and skilful in movement
Her movements were neat and deft.
Synonyms
skilful,
able,
expert,
clever,
neat,
handy,
adept,
nimble,
proficient,
agile,
adroit,
dexterous
in the sense of despotic
The country was ruled by a despotic tyrant.
Synonyms
tyrannical,
authoritarian,
dictatorial,
absolute,
arrogant,
oppressive,
autocratic,
imperious,
domineering,
monocratic
in the sense of dexterous
Definition
possessing or done with dexterity
the composer's dextrous manipulation of pauses and silence
Synonyms
able,
skilled,
expert,
masterly,
clever,
practised,
accomplished,
versed,
skilful,
adept,
masterful,
proficient,
adroit,
tasty (British, informal)
in the sense of dictatorial
Definition
tyrannical
a dictatorial management style
Synonyms
domineering,
authoritarian,
oppressive,
bossy (informal),
imperious,
overbearing,
magisterial,
iron-handed,
dogmatical
in the sense of excellent
Definition
exceptionally good
We complimented him on doing an excellent job.
Synonyms
outstanding,
good,
great (informal),
fine,
prime,
capital,
noted,
choice,
champion,
cool (informal),
select,
brilliant,
very good,
cracking (British, informal),
crucial (slang),
mean (slang),
superb,
distinguished,
fantastic (informal),
magnificent,
superior,
sterling,
worthy,
first-class,
marvellous,
exceptional,
terrific (informal),
splendid,
notable,
mega (slang),
topping (British, slang),
sovereign,
dope (slang),
sick (slang),
world-class,
exquisite,
admirable,
exemplary,
wicked (slang),
first-rate,
def (slang),
superlative,
top-notch (informal),
brill (informal),
nang (British, slang),
pre-eminent,
meritorious,
estimable,
tiptop,
bodacious (slang, US),
boffo (slang),
the dog's bollocks (taboo, slang),
jim-dandy (slang),
A1 or A-one (informal),
bitchin' (US, slang),
chillin' (US, slang),
booshit (Australian, slang),
exo (Australian, slang),
sik (Australian, slang),
rad (informal),
phat (slang),
schmick (Australian, informal),
beaut (informal),
barrie (Scottish, slang),
belting (British, slang),
pearler (Australian, slang),
bakgat (South Africa)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of expert
Definition
skilful or knowledgeable
The faces of the waxworks are modelled by expert sculptors.
Synonyms
skilful,
trained,
experienced,
able,
professional,
skilled,
master,
masterly,
qualified,
talented,
outstanding,
clever,
practised,
accomplished,
handy,
competent,
tasty (British, informal),
apt,
adept,
knowledgeable,
virtuoso,
deft,
proficient,
facile,
adroit,
dexterous,
leet (slang)
in the sense of exquisite
The hotel features friendly staff and exquisite cuisine.
Synonyms
excellent,
fine,
outstanding,
superb,
choice,
perfect,
select,
delicious,
divine (informal),
splendid,
admirable,
consummate,
flawless,
superlative,
incomparable,
peerless,
matchless
in the sense of fine
Definition
very good
This is a fine book.
Synonyms
excellent,
good,
great (informal),
striking,
choice,
beautiful,
masterly,
select,
rare,
very good,
supreme,
impressive,
outstanding,
magnificent,
superior,
accomplished,
sterling,
first-class,
divine (informal),
exceptional,
splendid,
world-class,
exquisite,
admirable,
skilful,
ornate,
first-rate,
showy,
bakgat (South Africa)
in the sense of finished
Synonyms
polished,
professional,
skilled,
expert,
perfected,
masterly,
classic,
smooth,
elegant,
accomplished,
refined,
cultivated,
impeccable,
consummate,
flawless,
proficient,
urbane
in the sense of first-rate
Definition
of the best quality
They were dealing with a first-rate professional.
Synonyms
excellent,
outstanding,
first class,
exceptional,
mean (slang),
topping (British, slang),
top,
tops (slang),
prime,
cool (informal),
crack (slang),
cracking (British, informal),
crucial (slang),
exclusive,
superb,
mega (slang),
sovereign,
dope (slang),
sick (slang),
world-class,
admirable,
wicked (slang),
def (slang),
superlative,
second to none,
top-notch (informal),
brill (informal),
tiptop,
bodacious (slang, US),
boffo (slang),
the dog's bollocks (taboo, slang),
jim-dandy (slang),
A1 or A-one (informal),
bitchin' (US, slang),
chillin' (US, slang),
booshit (Australian, slang),
exo (Australian, slang),
sik (Australian, slang),
rad (informal),
phat (slang),
schmick (Australian, informal)
in the sense of high-handed
Definition
using authority in an unnecessarily forceful way
He wants to be seen as less bossy and high-handed.
Synonyms
dictatorial,
domineering,
overbearing,
arbitrary,
oppressive,
autocratic,
bossy (informal),
imperious,
tyrannical,
despotic,
peremptory
in the sense of imperious
Definition
used to being obeyed
She gave him a witheringly imperious look.
Synonyms
domineering,
dictatorial,
bossy (informal),
haughty,
lordly,
commanding,
arrogant,
authoritative,
autocratic,
overbearing,
tyrannical,
magisterial,
despotic,
high-handed,
overweening,
tyrannous
in the sense of magisterial
Definition
commanding and authoritative
his magisterial voice and bearing
Synonyms
authoritative,
lordly,
commanding,
masterful,
imperious
in the sense of masterly
Definition
showing great skill
They gave a masterly performance.
Synonyms
skilful,
skilled,
expert,
finished,
fine,
excellent,
crack (informal),
supreme,
clever,
superior,
world-class,
exquisite,
tasty (British, informal),
adept,
consummate,
first-rate,
superlative,
masterful,
adroit,
dexterous
in the sense of overbearing
Definition
imposing one's views in an unpleasant or forceful manner
an arrogant and overbearing man
Synonyms
domineering,
lordly,
superior,
arrogant,
authoritarian,
oppressive,
autocratic,
masterful,
dictatorial,
coercive,
bossy (informal),
imperious,
haughty,
tyrannical,
magisterial,
despotic,
high-handed,
peremptory,
supercilious,
officious,
overweening,
iron-handed
Additional synonyms
in the sense of overweening
his overweening arrogance and pride
Synonyms
arrogant,
lordly,
proud,
vain,
swaggering,
pompous,
cocky,
conceited,
blustering,
imperious,
self-confident,
overbearing,
haughty,
opinionated,
egotistical,
disdainful,
presumptuous,
high-handed,
insolent,
supercilious,
high and mighty (informal),
cocksure,
vainglorious,
uppish (British, informal)
in the sense of peremptory
Definition
urgent or commanding
He treated his colleagues in a peremptory manner.
Synonyms
imperious,
arbitrary,
assertive,
authoritative,
autocratic,
dictatorial,
dogmatic,
bossy (informal),
intolerant,
domineering,
overbearing,
high-handed
in the sense of skilled
skilled workers, such as plumbers
Synonyms
expert,
professional,
accomplished,
trained,
experienced,
able,
masterly,
practised,
tasty (British, informal),
skilful,
proficient,
a dab hand at (British, informal)
in the sense of superior
Definition
of very high quality or respectability
He's got a superior car, and it's easy to win races that way.
Synonyms
first-class,
excellent,
first-rate,
good,
fine,
choice,
exclusive,
distinguished,
exceptional,
world-class,
good quality,
admirable,
high-class,
high-calibre,
de luxe,
of the first order,
sick (slang),
booshit (Australian, slang),
exo (Australian, slang),
sik (Australian, slang),
rad (informal),
phat (slang),
schmick (Australian, informal)
in the sense of superlative
Definition
the superlative form of an adjective or adverb
Some superlative wines are made in this region.
Synonyms
supreme,
excellent,
outstanding,
highest,
greatest,
crack (slang),
magnificent,
surpassing,
consummate,
stellar (informal),
unparalleled,
transcendent,
unrivalled,
peerless,
unsurpassed,
matchless,
of the highest order,
of the first water
in the sense of tyrannical
Definition
of or like a tyrant
Tyrannical dictators rarely last for long.
Synonyms
oppressive,
cruel,
authoritarian,
dictatorial,
severe,
absolute,
unreasonable,
arbitrary,
unjust,
autocratic,
inhuman,
coercive,
imperious,
domineering,
overbearing,
magisterial,
despotic,
high-handed,
peremptory,
overweening,
tyrannous
in the sense of world-class
Definition
being as good as anyone else in the world in a particular field
He was determined to become a world-class tennis player.