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

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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

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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 The set-up is fast and the humor on the wacky side, like a Coen brothers flick minus their mastery of narrative rhythm, which here remains erratic throughout. — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2026 For many young Americans, learning a skilled trade offers a faster, more affordable route to a solid career and the dignity that comes with mastery of a craft. — Shaun McCutcheon, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2026 Complicated in-camera effects — matte work, ghost glass, early Steadicam usage — promised artistic mastery, but not necessarily thrills or coherence. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Teachers reported an overall positive effect of educational technology on students’ engagement in learning and mastery of skills but an overall negative effect on their social-emotional skills, overall well-being and behavior in the classroom. — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mastery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mastery
  1. proficiency
  2. power
  3. control
  4. dominion
  5. sway
Noun
  • In the scene, Simon’s family speaks Kreyòl — although to varying degrees of proficiency — and the camera lingers on the Haitian feast presented on the table.
    — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Improving reading and math proficiency for public school students to ensure all have an opportunity to succeed.
    — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of proficiency
Noun
  • Just ask the Taliban, now back in charge in Afghanistan after being driven from power.
    — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • That’s not to mention what could be a massively consequential midterm election, fueled by AI anxiety among voters, that could test the bounds of their power.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of power
Noun
  • Heading into the midterm elections, AI now ranks as a key issue in races that will help decide control of both chambers of Congress.
    — Jeff Masonand Michael Shepard Bloomberg, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Precise attitude control keeps those instruments pointed at their targets as the satellites race around Earth.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of control
Noun
  • Faced with the dominion of the identical copy, some modern artists chose to celebrate it; others took a more critical, even antagonistic stance.
    — Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Propelling themselves through the 00s, iconic franchises continued to thrive with both Star Wars and Star Trek maintaining their dominion over sci-fi cinema.
    — Grace Dean, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of dominion
Noun
  • The story plays out in New York’s cutthroat acting scene, where a talented Indian actor chasing his craft falls under the sway of Keitel’s teacher.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
  • As Béatrice’s amateur detective work pulls her in deeper, the strands begin to suggest a conspiracy, one marked by mysterious disappearances and the clandestine sway of the Vatican.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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