masterful

adjective

mas·​ter·​ful ˈma-stər-fəl How to pronounce masterful (audio)
1
a
: inclined and usually competent to act as master
b
: suggestive of a domineering nature
2
: having or reflecting the power and skill of a master
masterfully adverb
masterfulness noun
Masterful vs. Masterly: Usage Guide

Some commentators insist that use of masterful should be limited to its early "domineering" sense in order to preserve a distinction between it and masterly. The distinction is a modern one, excogitated by a 20th century pundit in disregard of the history of the word. Both words developed in a parallel manner but the earlier sense of masterly, equivalent to the "domineering" sense of masterful, dropped out of use. Since masterly had but one sense, the pundit opined that it would be tidy if masterful were likewise limited to one sense and he forthwith condemned use of masterful to mean "having mastery" as an error. This later sense of masterful, which is slightly older than the sense of masterly intended to replace it, has continued in reputable use all along; it cannot rationally be called an error.

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Some commentators insist that masterful must only mean "domineering," reserving the "expert, skillful" sense for masterly. The distinction is a modern one. In earlier times, the terms were used interchangeably, with each having both the "domineering" and "expert" senses. The "domineering" sense of masterly fell into disuse around the 18th century, however, and in the 20th century the famous grammarian H. W. Fowler decided that masterful should be similarly limited to a single meaning. He summarily ruled that the "expert" definition of masterful was incorrect. Other usage writers followed his lead. But the "expert" meaning of masterful has continued to flourish in standard prose in spite of the disapproval, and, considering the sense's long history, it cannot really be called an error.

Choose the Right Synonym for masterful

masterful, domineering, imperious, peremptory, imperative mean tending to impose one's will on others.

masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively.

her masterful personality soon dominated the movement

domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will.

children controlled by domineering parents

imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance.

an imperious executive used to getting his own way

peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent.

given a peremptory dismissal

imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate.

an imperative appeal for assistance

Examples of masterful in a Sentence

His manner was masterful and abrupt. a masterful work of art He did a masterful job of staying out of trouble.
Recent Examples on the Web Chuck and both Steves have done a masterful job developing these characters and entertaining generations of fans with relatable, heartwarming stories brought to life by Montana and Emily. Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 Packed with atmospheric tension, psychological depth, and Nesbø's masterful suspense building, ‘The Snowman’ will immerse the reader into a gripping tale of fear, obsession, and the hunt for a killer. David Nikel, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Like most of that album, Vultures feels sonically enveloping and masterful but lyrically sneering and obnoxious. Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 21 Feb. 2024 Walker: Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, a hot name in the coaching rumor mill, called a masterful game in keeping the Browns off-balance. Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 16 Jan. 2024 For more than two decades, Blackberry Smoke has charted its own musical path with a unique blend of hard rock, southern rock, country, blues, and masterful songwriting. Pam Windsor, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 The first film, released in 2021, was a masterful achievement that ended practically in the middle of a sentence — an ending all the more abrupt considering director Denis Villeneuve had not yet secured a sequel. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 21 Feb. 2024 Driesell was generally regarded as a masterful recruiter who was able to sell excellent basketball players on the idea of attending a 900-student all-male school in a small town in northern Mecklenburg County. Steve Lyttle, Charlotte Observer, 17 Feb. 2024 Debuting back in January, Owens’s fall collection included his usual assortment of masterful leather coats and sculptural knits. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 12 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'masterful.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of masterful was in the 15th century

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Dictionary Entries Near masterful

Cite this Entry

“Masterful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masterful. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

masterful

adjective
mas·​ter·​ful ˈmas-tər-fəl How to pronounce masterful (audio)
1
: inclined to take control or dominate
2
: having or showing the technical or artistic skill of a master
masterfully adverb
masterfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on masterful

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