masterstroke

or mas·ter stroke

[ mas-ter-strohk, mah-ster- ]

/ ˈmæs tərˌstroʊk, ˈmɑ stər- /

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noun

a masterly action or achievement; an extremely skillful or effective action: War was avoided by a masterstroke of diplomacy.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of masterstroke

First recorded in 1670–80; master + stroke¹

Words nearby masterstroke

master sergeant, mastership, mastersinger, master-slave manipulator, Masterson, masterstroke, master warrant officer, masterwork, master workman, masterwort, mastery

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use masterstroke in a sentence

The artist’s stark brushstrokes and narrative masterstrokes make an affecting combination, as hope and heartbreak span generations.
Best graphic novels of 2021|Michael Cavna, David Betancourt|November 18, 2021|Washington Post
If this story were told more uncritically from Logan’s perspective, the box of doughnuts would be presented as a brilliant masterstroke, a way of intimidating his children into doing what he wants without setting foot in the room.
Succession turns a box of doughnuts into a stealthy statement about abuse|Emily VanDerWerff|October 25, 2021|Vox
King also recounts the masterstrokes of her Hall of Fame career, including six years atop the world ranking and memorable battles in pursuit of 39 Grand Slam titles.
How a 12-year-old Billie Jean King decided to change the world|Liz Clarke|August 27, 2021|Washington Post
If that was what was in his mind three years ago—it was a masterstroke and one that may end up prolonging his regime.
The Obama Administration Has Assad Amnesia|Jamie Dettmer|December 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Raising 9/11 at the debate as a psychic event rather than one of national security was a masterstroke that won the day.
McCain's Poignant Valedictory|Tina Brown|October 8, 2008|DAILY BEAST
And he was also capable of the masterstroke of impudence—putting out a pickup order, through Spaceforce, for his own name!
The Door Through Space|Marion Zimmer Bradley
Oedipus by a masterstroke of art is made to imagine that she has departed in shame, fearing he may be proved the son of a slave.
Authors of Greece|T. W. Lumb
It was not a scheme generated in his teeming brain, like the strategy of a campaign, or a masterstroke of diplomacy.
Terre Napoleon|Ernest Scott
But the great Frenchman's masterstroke was his treaty with Gustavus Adolphus.
The Great Events by Famous Historians, Volume 11|Various
When Fanny returned with your letter this morning, I prepared for a masterstroke.
Great Porter Square, v. 3|Benjamin Leopold Farjeon

British Dictionary definitions for masterstroke

masterstroke

/ (ˈmɑːstəˌstrəʊk) /

noun

an outstanding piece of strategy, skill, talent, etcyour idea is a masterstroke

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

masterstroke

or mas·ter stroke

Origin of masterstroke

Words nearby masterstroke

Words related to masterstroke

How to use masterstroke in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for masterstroke