mastery

noun

ˈma-st(ə-)rē How to pronounce mastery (audio)
Definition of masterynext
1
as in proficiency
a highly developed skill in or knowledge of something the exchange student returned from her year in Spain with a complete mastery of the language

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in power
the right or means to command or control others the British monarch has only token mastery over the citizens of the United Kingdom

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of mastery As celebrations for America’s 250th gear up, reenactors seek out artisans with mastery of historic garments. — Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 26 June 2026 Head coach Luis de la Fuente’s team—built around players Rodri, Lamine Yamal, and Pedri—is known for its mastery of possession play and attractive passing. — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 June 2026 Reynolds leaves the strong impression that slavery flourished in the South instead of the North simply because southern religion and ideology depended on mastery rather than because southern topography and climate also favored the plantation system. — James Traub, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026 Over 108,000 entries from 160 countries were submitted, with seven photographers ultimately recognized for their technical mastery, originality, and conceptual strength. — Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for mastery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mastery
  1. proficiency
  2. power
  3. control
  4. dominion
  5. sway
Noun
  • Training should produce portable skills and credentials that remain valuable across employers, rather than proficiency in one company’s software or business processes.
    — Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Several school districts in and near Fort Worth are below the state average in reading proficiency rates, according to data from the Fort Worth Education Partnership.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026
Definition of proficiency
Noun
  • Junior Caminero has already done some things no Rays players had ever accomplished, such as extending his sizzling power show on Friday to include hitting 10 home runs over a 10-game span.
    — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2026
  • Plus, the power port includes three electrical outlets and three USB ports for powering appliances, speakers, and other devices.
    — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Definition of power
Noun
  • Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.
    — KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
  • With Australia closing in on a winner in regulation with its young attack, Egypt settled in over the final 20 minutes or so to regain control of possession and find the more consistent threats on goal.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2026
Definition of control
Noun
  • The show represents a milestone in American TV, when showrunners like Shonda Rhimes began to become famous names in and of themselves, and create whole dominions of TV shows on networks and streaming services.
    — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 June 2026
  • Freeman had accomplished more than protecting her daughter from Hannah Ashley’s blow and, with perseverance, succeeded in getting herself and Lizzie out from under the Ashleys’ dominion.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 22 June 2026
Definition of dominion
Noun
  • In a real world sense of course that can’t possibly be true, but the world view of the Puritan religious leaders who founded the Connecticut River Colony in the 1630s still held sway in the late 18th century.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026
  • Roberta Smith, the co-chief art critic of the New York Times, and Jerry Saltz, the art critic of New York magazine, are writers of sway, elegance, legend.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 27 June 2026
Definition of sway

Browse Nearby Words

masterworks
mastery
masticate
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Cite this Entry

“Mastery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mastery. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on mastery

Nglish: Translation of mastery for Spanish Speakers

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