ability

noun

ə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce ability (audio)
Definition of abilitynext
as in capability
the physical or mental power to do something as a result of the accident the once-vigorous athlete lost the ability to walk

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 ability All the existing independent research on AI and the brain suggests that AI use inhibits our ability to learn . — Kaliris Salas-Ramirez, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026 On Sunday, Beshear stressed that McConnell must do more to assure Kentuckians of his ability to carry out the role as senator. — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026 Heverin is undergoing daily physiotherapy to improve her ability to walk and receiving speech therapy at least twice a week. — Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026 As a senior, Ross wants to be more show more than just athletic ability on the court. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ability
  1. capability
  2. capacity
  3. faculty
  4. skill
  5. talent
  6. aptitude
Noun
  • Ministry spokesman Sun Li-fang said NCSIST had already verified jamming capabilities for the newer frequency and would introduce them through future upgrades.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Final Thoughts The Qidi Max 4 feels like a machine designed for people who care more about capability, material flexibility, and printing large, functional parts than chasing a perfectly polished consumer-appliance experience.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of capability
Noun
  • The 74,000-capacity Principality Stadium (formerly known as the Millennium Stadium) hosted this fixture six times between 2001 and 2006 during Wembley’s renovation works.
    — Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • For families AutoCamp makes for a fun family adventure, even if the Airstreams feel a bit snug at capacity.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of capacity
Noun
  • The university ultimately held town halls after the sale was announced to discuss how programs, faculty, and staff would transition from the campus.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Berkeley faculty and students will work alongside Applied engineers on semiconductor materials and process technologies tied to AI computing.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of faculty
Noun
  • Artan is now raring to show his skills and that of his continent on the European stage.
    — Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Since the 12th century London's guilds have nurtured generations of artisans, preserving skills while allowing each craft to evolve with every new era.
    — Divia Thani, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of skill
Noun
  • These days it is seldom seen, with scouting resource and social media so prevalent, for the majority to be so unaware of the next young talent.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Brands from Louis Vuitton to Dior to Chanel boast a strong roster of K-pop brand ambassadors, and each fashion month, local talent comes out in force.
    — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of talent
Noun
  • However, the Jets feel that Klubnik has good mental processing and the aptitude for explosive plays downfield.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Many of its rites can be performed by anyone, but there have often been individuals with a special aptitude for and knowledge of these practices.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of aptitude

Browse Nearby Words

abilities
ability
a bit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ability. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ability

Nglish: Translation of ability for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ability

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