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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of professional
Emily Olsen, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2026
The company also sponsors players on all the professional tours.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026
Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026
Use the energy assessment on smart meters or hire a professional for an energy assessment.
—Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for professional
Adjective
At the time, Kang, who now owns professional women’s teams in three countries, was only a minority investor.
—Emily Olsen, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2026
The company also sponsors players on all the professional tours.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
That means the cost for a professional to come to your home and inspect your unit (anywhere from $150 to $500, Consumer Reports estimates) can pay off in the long run.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026
Use the energy assessment on smart meters or hire a professional for an energy assessment.
—Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for professional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for professional
Adjective
-
Paffett-Lugassy shared that approachability matters more than technical novelty.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
-
This technical variation results in a fabric with a number of highly desirable characteristics for denim.—
SJ Studio,
Sourcing Journal,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Constitutional law professor David Schultz, who has taught a class on police, criminal and civil procedure, has some answers.—
Esme Murphy,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
-
But the memory of decades-long civil unrest, largely ended by a peace agreement signed in 2016, is still fresh enough to provide a real-life context for Teddy’s machinations.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Avoidance is not a strategy, said Jack Kelleher, managing director at activist-defense specialist Collected Strategies.—
Rohan Goswami,
semafor.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
In response, lip lift education ramped up across the field, with specialists lecturing on it at meetings and teaching it in courses.—
Jolene Edgar,
Allure,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Its approach not only delivers at scale, but also strengthens supply chains, creates skilled jobs, and supports a circular energy economy—proof that innovation and responsibility can advance together.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
23 Jan. 2026
-
But when a great concept meets a skilled showrunner, the results can be magnetic, as with these outstanding spooky series.—
David Faris,
TheWeek,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Houston leads the pack — by a lot If Austin’s showing feels respectable, Houston’s is dominant.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
21 Jan. 2026
-
That is a very respectable showing, with Boots drawing larger audiences than several high-profile series released around the same time.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Emigration became a business, as newspapers filled with advertisements from consultants offering to advise people on how to escape the country.—
Eve Fairbanks,
The Dial,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Court consultants reported multiple requests for information from the department have been ignored, including questions about waitlist criteria, accreditation reports and other key data.—
Sierra Pfeifer,
Oklahoman,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Some of those numbers include hundreds of specialized, flashing, or vibrating alarms for those with disabilities, the deaf, or hard of hearing.—
Jasmine Viel,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The showcase highlighted how humanoid form factors can extend beyond factories into highly specialized medical applications.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Bainbridge’s earlier novels often seem to have a similarly businesslike attitude.—
Christopher Tayler,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Mike Macdonald is taking a businesslike approach to Seattle’s NFC championship game showdown Sunday with Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams.—
Mike Griffith,
AJC.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Professional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/professional. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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