masterful
Showing expert control
Masterful describes someone who commands others with authority and confidence, often with a suggestion of dominance: a masterful leader, his masterful handling of the crisis.
It also means highly skilled or accomplished: a masterful performance, masterful technique.
The first sense emphasizes power and control; the second emphasizes expertise.
Context usually makes clear which is meant.
Having practiced ability
- adeptHighly capable, well-versed
- polishedSmooth, refined, accomplished
- expertHighly skilled practitioner
- virtuosoSupremely accomplished performer
accomplished · talented · capable · competent · dexterous · skilful · practiced · seasoned
Having recognized expertise
- dominantHaving superior influence
- assertiveConfidently self-assured
- imperiousArrogantly authoritative
- imposingImpressively grand in scale
decisive · influential · powerful · confident · controlling · forceful · firm · self-assured
Arrogantly dominating in manner
- dictatorialImposing absolute control
- bossyToo fond of directing others
- high-handedDomineering without regard for others
- despoticExercising absolute authority
tyrannical · autocratic · peremptory · coercive · oppressive · bullying · intimidating · heavy-handed
Evoking reverential wonder
- stunningExtremely impressive or beautiful
- remarkableWorthy of attention
- extraordinaryBeyond what's typical
- magnificentExceptionally beautiful or impressive
spectacular · phenomenal · outstanding · dazzling · splendid · breathtaking · impeccable · exemplary
proficient
Having practiced ability
- adeptHighly capable, well-versed
- polishedSmooth, refined, accomplished
- expertHighly skilled practitioner
virtuoso · accomplished · talented · capable · competent · dexterous · skilful · practiced · seasoned · trained
authoritative
Having recognized expertise
imposing · decisive · influential · powerful · confident · controlling · forceful · firm · self-assured · bold
overbearing
Arrogantly dominating in manner
- dictatorialImposing absolute control
- bossyToo fond of directing others
- high-handedDomineering without regard for others
despotic · tyrannical · autocratic · peremptory · coercive · oppressive · bullying · intimidating · heavy-handed · patronizing
awe-inspiring
Evoking reverential wonder
- stunningExtremely impressive or beautiful
- remarkableWorthy of attention
- extraordinaryBeyond what's typical
magnificent · spectacular · phenomenal · outstanding · dazzling · splendid · breathtaking · impeccable · exemplary · peerless
virtuosity
Exceptional technical skill
- artistryExceptional creative skill
- craftsmanshipSkill in making objects
- prowessOutstanding skill or valor
finesse · command · technique · skill · brilliance · genius · flair · panache · precision · elegance
- qualityquality, excellence, grade, caliber, superior
- skill levelsbeginner, novice, intermediate, expert, advanced
- skilled traitsexpert, skilled, adept, proficient, talented
- awe-inspiringawe-inspiring, awesome, breathtaking, jaw-dropping, magnificent
- Brilliantbrilliant, bright, radiant, dazzling, luminous
- superlativesexcellent, superb, best, outstanding, supreme
masterfulsubmissive
Readily yielding to control
meek · passive · deferential · yielding · compliant
masterfulincompetent
Lacking necessary skill
inept · amateurish · unskilled · clumsy · bungling