Standard Lemma guide

masterful

adj · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • CMU ARPABET: M AE1 S T ER0 F AH0 L Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.

1

adj

Meaning 1

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

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The brushwork on the skin tones was masterful.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adj

Meaning 2

In the manner of a master; very skillful.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

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

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: magistral

Antonyms: none provided

3

adj

Meaning 3

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

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

adjective satellite

Meaning 4

having or revealing supreme mastery or skill

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • a consummate artist
  • consummate skill
  • a masterful speaker
  • masterful technique
  • a masterly performance of the sonata
  • a virtuoso performance

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: consummate, masterly, virtuoso(a)

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

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