as in capability
the physical or mental power to do something
as a result of the accident the once-vigorous athlete lost the ability to walk
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ability
Many of our studies focus on memory for music, demonstrating that people have a remarkable ability to recall melodies, pitch, tempo, and loudness with surprising accuracy, even without formal music training, suggesting that musical memory operates differently from other forms of memory.
—
Lindsay A. Fleming, Time, 15 Aug. 2025
Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand hurricanes.
—Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025
Your ability to affect the world and be happy is not determined by an arbitrary system that is not set up for your benefit.
—Mary Frances Ruskell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
In the Senate, where the GOP currently has a slim 53 to 47 majority, being the party in charge is vital for the president and his ability to pass key legislation priorities, confirm nominees, including any potential Supreme Court vacancies.
—Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ability
Lindsay A. Fleming, Time, 15 Aug. 2025
Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand hurricanes.
—Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025
Your ability to affect the world and be happy is not determined by an arbitrary system that is not set up for your benefit.
—Mary Frances Ruskell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
In the Senate, where the GOP currently has a slim 53 to 47 majority, being the party in charge is vital for the president and his ability to pass key legislation priorities, confirm nominees, including any potential Supreme Court vacancies.
—Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ability
Noun
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My prediction here is that labs will become increasingly sophisticated and autonomous, accelerating R&D and empowering nations with limited resources to build their own biotech capabilities.—
Check Warner MBE,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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The agreement, the biggest of its kind in the countries’ history, involves the sale of 11 stealth frigates able to launch long-range missiles, significantly expanding Australia’s maritime defense capabilities.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Each hall is made from a different material and has a different capacity (measured in barrels of mead: 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000).—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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Over the past two years, ICR has invested more than 26 million euros to further build on its production capacity, efficiency and, ultimately, legacy.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Sullivan University has placed its president on administrative leave, according to an email sent to faculty and staff.—
Stephanie Kuzydym,
The Courier-Journal,
5 Aug. 2025
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But the situation on-the-ground remains dire, according to faculty and staff.—
Kate Armanini,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
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However, Boone was incredibly complimentary of Rice’s catching skills on Monday and Tuesday.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
12 Aug. 2025
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If these efforts are successful, becoming a drone pilot will require fewer skills and less experience.—
ERIC SCHMIDT,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Hines would have fit the bill–even without elite talent–but this development changes things.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
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Perhaps most intriguing is the prelim card's opening bout between submission guru Chase Hooper and wrestling talent Alexander Hernandez at lightweight.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
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These include improvisational problem-solving, risk aptitude, systems thinking, interoperability facilitation, and cognitive orchestration.—
Trond Arne Undheim,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
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The public incorrectly values charisma over aptitude, and Janet is Al Gore.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
16 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ability. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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