Synonyms of competence

competence

noun

ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)s 

as in ability

the physical or mental power to do something

questioned his competence to finish the task without help

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ability
• capacity
• capability
• competency
• aptitude
• talent
• faculty
• skill
• capableness
• reason
• equipment
• instinct
• knack
• gift
• facility
• prowess
• understanding
• intelligence
• dexterity
• resourcefulness
• endowment
• usefulness
• address
• influence
• resources
• adequacy
• effectiveness
• potency
• aptness
• fitness
• gray matter
• adroitness
• deftness
• means
• might
• staying power
• ken
• hand
• stuff
• wherewithal
• puissance
• effectualness
• form

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incompetence
• disability
• incompetency
• incapacity
• inability
• ineptitude
• ineptness
• incapability
• paralysis
• weakness
• helplessness
• impotence
• deficiency
• powerlessness
• inadequacy
• ineffectiveness
• impairment
• defectiveness
• uselessness
• inefficacy
• ineffectuality
• incapableness
• incapacitation
• ineffectualness
• disablement
• debilitation
• inadequateness
• inefficaciousness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of competence

Each model creates different expectations about competence, autonomy, trust, supervision, and accountability. — Keith Ferrazzi, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026

Clarify the expectation, update the plan, and let competence rebuild confidence. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026

Do not perform competence only to blame everyone later for believing the performance. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026

For a second, Fauci almost seemed to laugh, and there was a glimpse of the public-health official who had charmed much of the country during the pandemic, with his air of amiable competence. — Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026