Masterful

adj

adj ·3 syllables ·Moderate ·High school level

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    Of or pertaining to the manner of a master of an art, technique, profession, or craft; masterly.

    "The brushwork on the skin tones was masterful."

  2. 2
    In the manner of a master; very skillful.ç

    "The masterful conducting ensured the orchestra gave of their best."

  3. 3
    Having or showing the qualities of a master vis-a-vis a dependent or subordinate; authoritative; domineering.

    "...do you not agree with me that I have a right to be a little masterful, abrupt; perhaps exacting, sometimes, on the grounds I stated..."

Adjective
  1. 1
    having or revealing supreme mastery or skill wordnet

Synonyms

All synonyms
skilledabsoluteabsolutistabsolutisticaccomplishedadept

Example

More examples

"I had completely forgotten that story. And finally, it's as if I had been awakened by a masterful slap!"

Etymology

From Middle English maysterful, maistrefull, equivalent to master + -ful.

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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.