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
Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
For those hours or miles before any professional medical treatment, the pill increases a bite victim’s chances of survival.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Jamal Goss, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
There are tens of thousands of investors and professionals who are living in Dubai, who are spending their time going to work every day and building the new Dubai.
—Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for professional
Adjective
Now, Elmore — a former collegiate and Cincinnati Bengals professional football player — uses that experience to inspire others to create better futures for children in similar situations.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
For those hours or miles before any professional medical treatment, the pill increases a bite victim’s chances of survival.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
Over the 11-day run, more than 20,000 people are expected to attend, bringing filmmakers, audiences and industry professionals together in Atlanta.
—Jamal Goss, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
There are tens of thousands of investors and professionals who are living in Dubai, who are spending their time going to work every day and building the new Dubai.
—Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for professional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for professional
Adjective
-
Although there are still technical challenges ahead, particularly in maintaining stability at higher energies, the current study shows that the core problem (keeping the electron beam stable and consistent over long periods of time) can be solved.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Apr. 2026
-
The days of the secluded mathematician chalking up a blackboard have largely given way to a collaborative spirit as math has become increasingly technical.—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Though ostracized in their time, people who resisted internment are now seen as civil-rights pioneers.—
Hua Hsu,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Assault victims in Virginia may seek a civil resolution to their criminal case through accord and satisfaction, an agreement for an amount owed in damages, such as money to cover the cost of medical bills or property repairs.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Over the course of the next few days, Prince met with doctors and addiction specialists.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Since the Iran war started, officials say, some counterterrorism specialists who had been reassigned to immigration have returned to their old roles, creating a whiplash that can disrupt investigations and analysis.—
Hannah Allam,
ProPublica,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
And their second-best defender, Jaden McDaniels, is skilled at calling the Nuggets’ names.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
-
While one research study found REIT investments were associated with higher spending on nursing wages, another concluded that after being bought by REITs, nursing homes frequently replaced registered nurses with less skilled nurses and aides.—
Jordan Rau,
Miami Herald,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Caligula selected respectable family men of good reputation, who were conspicuous for some physical disability, for a mock fight.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Apr. 2026
-
On Sunday evening, a respectable crowd showed up in the Mojave Tent to pay their respects to the Godfather of Punk, who first played Coachella in a reunion with the Stooges in 2003.—
Mikael Wood,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The center will also bring nearly 80 jobs, said Dale Morris, senior consultant of government affairs at American Airlines.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Magid, a media consultant that has worked for decades with TV networks and stations, believes local and national TV-news organizations need to start giving viewers more context, depth and emotional reassurance, rather than relying on breaking news and dozens of star anchors and correspondents.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
These are specialized cartridges intended for shooting small, non-game animals that are essentially pests, including prairie dogs, ground squirrels, coyotes, foxes and rabbits, that are either a threat to agriculture or wildlife management, or are potentially dangerous.—
David Szondy
April 19,
New Atlas,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Data on dietary habits exists in a few cookbooks, but researchers have to employ highly specialized methods in order to glean what the status of their health was.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Conversely, the Oilers had a businesslike finish to their campaign despite adverse circumstances, specifically the absences of Draisaitl and Hyman.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
19 Apr. 2026
-
The atmosphere was hushed and businesslike; this was a routine pretrial hearing, and only a few other spectators joined me in the gallery.—
Patrick Radden Keefe,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Professional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/professional. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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