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
Brandin Brown is glad to have Ellis for his ability and leadership.
—
Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
Trump’s statement is contradicted by a 2025 federal government assessment that said Iran is years away from the ability to produce long-range missiles; nuclear policy experts also cast doubt on the idea.
—Dallas Morning News, 28 Feb. 2026
Paton’s superpower in Minnesota, former GM Spielman recalled, was his ability to relate to all members of the coaching staff.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 28 Feb. 2026
Taleblu said Pahlavi has support among Iran's youth, an ability to draw crowds and has drawn a sharp contrast between himself and the existing regime.
—CBS News, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ability
Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
Trump’s statement is contradicted by a 2025 federal government assessment that said Iran is years away from the ability to produce long-range missiles; nuclear policy experts also cast doubt on the idea.
—Dallas Morning News, 28 Feb. 2026
Paton’s superpower in Minnesota, former GM Spielman recalled, was his ability to relate to all members of the coaching staff.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 28 Feb. 2026
Taleblu said Pahlavi has support among Iran's youth, an ability to draw crowds and has drawn a sharp contrast between himself and the existing regime.
—CBS News, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ability
Noun
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The exact missile type remains unclear, raising questions about whether Iran is trialing medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs) with maneuverable or hypersonic capabilities.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Mar. 2026
-
The attack was likely meant to demonstrate how the group, a once reliable and powerful proxy of the Islamic Republic, still has the capability and the will to strike on behalf of Tehran.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Oil refineries remain a major retaliatory target too, as shown when Saudi Arabia intercepted two drones on Monday morning at Ras Tanura, one of the country’s largest oil refineries, which has the capacity to produce 550,000 barrels a day.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
2 Mar. 2026
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The Pentagon leader vowed the conflict would destroy Tehran’s capacity to launch missiles against Western allies and its effort to build nuclear weapon.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The personable Agwunobi also served as UConn’s interim president before UConn faculty member Radenka Maric won the top spot in 2022.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
28 Feb. 2026
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Forty five classrooms are spread across the second and third floors, while faculty office and administrative facilities are on the fourth floor.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Flagg has showcased his playmaking skills in several ways throughout his first season in the NBA.—
SportsDay Staff,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Mar. 2026
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The humanoid demonstrated highly dynamic parkour skills upon being trained using the framework.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Mounted on decadent floral walls of rich textures, The Dean boasts Dublin’s largest collection of distinctive Irish art, showcasing more than 40 local talents, including Eoin Holland, Mark Francis, Richard Gorman, Patrick Scott, and Samuel Walsh.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Mar. 2026
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The honor cements her as one an emerging talent of the moment and, to be honest, a style star in the making too.—
María Diez,
Glamour,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Other people have a natural aptitude for learning a language and can pick it up easily.—
Karen Stollznow,
The Conversation,
26 Feb. 2026
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In his breakout 2025, Benge showcased an aptitude for quick adjustments.—
Tim Britton,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ability. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.
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