1
as in technical
having or showing trained ability in a particular field of knowledge
Many of the applicants lacked the professional experience the job required. She had always dreamed of becoming a professional boxer.
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2
as in civil
in a serious and polite manner
She found his presentation informative and his delivery quite professional. Employees were expected to act in a professional manner when dealing with potential customers.
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as in specialist
a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field
If you want the job done right, you really should hire a professional.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of professional
Chandler Rome, New York Times, 20 June 2026
For decades, a clinical note was intended to communicate observations, diagnostic reasoning, treatment decisions, uncertainty and professional judgment.
—Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2026
Diane Goldstein, Mercury News, 19 June 2026
At the American Diabetes Association’s Scientific Sessions (ADA) in New Orleans in early June, the industry came together to share clinical updates, with amylin as a focal point for medical professionals and investors alike.
—Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for professional
Adjective
There is danger in trying to dismiss a man who has defied logic and reason since the day Astros officials sent him home from his first professional tryout.
—Chandler Rome, New York Times, 20 June 2026
For decades, a clinical note was intended to communicate observations, diagnostic reasoning, treatment decisions, uncertainty and professional judgment.
—Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2026
Noun
The irony is that many law enforcement professionals have spent years advocating for exactly the kinds of partnerships now at risk.
—Diane Goldstein, Mercury News, 19 June 2026
At the American Diabetes Association’s Scientific Sessions (ADA) in New Orleans in early June, the industry came together to share clinical updates, with amylin as a focal point for medical professionals and investors alike.
—Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for professional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for professional
Adjective
-
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad was preparing for an electronic signing, to be followed by technical-level talks in the coming week.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
-
The days when a team of Brazil’s stature could simply rely on their technical ability and flair are long gone; every side have to work on the small details, analysing their own players and their opponents in depth, looking for marginal gains rather than making assumptions.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
But the whistleblower has also had both civil and criminal charges leveled against him, forcing him to spend the last 10-plus years living in exile in Russia.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
14 June 2026
-
In 2008, the DOJ pursued criminal charges and a civil suit.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
Rescue teams, including diving and water specialists, were sent to retrieve Antar’s body, which was found by divers at a depth of 30 meters (100 feet) below the water surface.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
16 June 2026
-
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
Blending ego and empathy, Chung delivered a skilled performance that may well win over Emmy voters in the supporting actor (drama) category this cycle.—
K.J. Yossman,
Variety,
19 June 2026
-
In addition to being a great student, Maddie is a skilled softball player, which her mom Jamie Lynn bragged about in May 2022.—
Sydni Ellis,
PEOPLE,
18 June 2026
Adjective
-
Given the Scottish team featured Kenny Dalglish, Denis Law, Billy Bremner and Joe Jordan, that was a relatively respectable result.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
-
Being on man time and being respectable.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
The Newsom administration has attempted creative efforts to shrink CDCR’s budget, such as hiring outside consultants to find operations efficiencies, but those endeavors have resulted in less savings than initially anticipated.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
16 June 2026
-
However, during a recent City Council meeting, City Administrator Mike Brungardt said that city staff is looking at incorporating regulations around lower noise levels in its noise ordinance and working with consultants to study new setbacks needed for data center development.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has assured visitors that the country has a proper security plan for the event, including specialized training for officials, planning and operational exercises, early warning systems and security measures around stadiums, airports, roads and hotels.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
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That makes for a more compelling value proposition, useful in daily life, versus a more specialized machine with inferior performance.—
Matthew Buzzi,
PC Magazine,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer praised Sugano for his businesslike approach to the game.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
23 May 2026
-
Confirm details in writing early, keep communication brief and businesslike, and build in flexibility where possible.—
Rebecca L. Palmer,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Professional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/professional. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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