as in ability
the physical or mental power to do something
questioned his competence to finish the task without help
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of competence
These early responsibilities appeared to instill essential life skills, fostering greater competence and independence over time.
—
Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
Colleagues say his quiet competence commands respect.
—Peter Jensen, Baltimore Sun, 6 June 2025
The Lakers sometimes felt as if they were backed by a manifest destiny more than ruthless competence.
—Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 19 June 2025
Sherrill prevailed with 34% of the vote after a campaign that promised competence and spotlighted her resume as a Navy veteran and former federal prosecutor.
—Susan Page, USA Today, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for competence
Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
Colleagues say his quiet competence commands respect.
—Peter Jensen, Baltimore Sun, 6 June 2025
The Lakers sometimes felt as if they were backed by a manifest destiny more than ruthless competence.
—Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 19 June 2025
Sherrill prevailed with 34% of the vote after a campaign that promised competence and spotlighted her resume as a Navy veteran and former federal prosecutor.
—Susan Page, USA Today, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for competence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for competence
Noun
-
The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
28 June 2025
-
Historians say white lawmakers in the post-war South sought to enshrine their ability to keep Black men from voting by barring federal forces from bolstering the local militias that protected them.—
Sonja Sharp,
Los Angeles Times,
28 June 2025
Noun
-
However, with Venus retrograde moving from Aries to Pisces on the 27th, you may be forced to acknowledge what’s outside of your capacity.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
-
Braun will stick around in an executive advisory capacity, serving as director of the board and senior advisor to HYBE chairman/CEO Bang Si-Hyuk.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
Certainly their general partners, Russia and China, have immense cyber capability.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
24 June 2025
-
Iran has proved willing to target countries with stronger cyber capabilities than itself, according to a 2024 threat assessment from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.—
Bailey Schulz,
USA Today,
24 June 2025
Noun
-
Certification boards ensure ongoing professional competency through standardized exams and continuing education requirements.—
Web Golinkin,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
-
There are two fundamental characteristics needed if Arsenal do decide to recruit or promote to fill Cuesta’s role — an elevated level of competency and an extreme level of trust.—
Amy Lawrence,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Competence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/competence. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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