ability

noun

ə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce ability (audio)
Definition of abilitynext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ability Wall Street bulls point to the deeper pool of capital, the ability to trade the shares during regular market hours and an eventual addition to the Nasdaq 100 as reasons to be optimistic about the ADRs. — Bailey Lipschultz, Fortune, 5 July 2026 While Espinal's offensive ceiling has remained modest, his ability to play multiple infield positions has kept him valuable throughout his career. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 Fedko adds athletic ability off the bench, versatility to play all three outfield spots and second base. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026 With no natural predators and the ability to breed year-round, their populations have exploded over the decades. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ability
  1. capability
  2. capacity
  3. faculty
  4. skill
  5. talent
  6. aptitude
Noun
  • The Red Sox continue to find ways to win without Willson Contreras — who is serving a five-game suspension — and with a roster full of Triple-A and utility players filling roles and playing to their capabilities.
    — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • Exact charge times are still a bit variable, with McMurtry citing anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes to go from 20% to 95%, depending on the ambient temperature and the capability of the charger.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 July 2026
Definition of capability
Noun
  • In June, Oceanside’s City Council voted unanimously to exempt multiple sites from the law and deferred others from high-density zoning until 2032, relying on carve-outs for areas with existing housing capacity, lack of walking paths and more.
    — Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2026
  • The event hit its 25,000 capacity earlier in the day, a first and last for the free festival.
    — Zuri Primos July 12, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
Definition of capacity
Noun
  • Napolitano cautioned that the SAT is no cure for the preparedness gap faculty describe.
    — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Labor allies representing construction workers, firefighters, university faculty and Los Angeles police officers also boosted Becerra.
    — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of faculty
Noun
  • When students don’t have the basic skills, they are sent to the nearby community college, often over the summer, to catch up.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Tolbert has worked his way to the big leagues through skill and effort.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026
Definition of skill
Noun
  • This systematic approach, including proactive diaspora talent identification and a uniform coaching philosophy across all age groups, has yielded consistent results, including a U20 World Cup win.
    — Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • Influencers under Kyle Hjelmeseth’s talent management firm build their Instagram presence on lived experience.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of talent
Noun
  • King contrasted the country’s technological expertise with its moral aptitude.
    — Dawn M. Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • But his energy and aptitude on the boards looked to be in midseason form.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
Definition of aptitude

Browse Nearby Words

abilities
ability
a bit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ability. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ability

Nglish: Translation of ability for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ability

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