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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 So far, Bailey has shown blazing speed off the edge and an ability to create havoc in the backfield. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026 Inserting this duality almost limits his ability to take any one side. — Cortlyn Kelly, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2026 The nursing board, though, does not have the power to close nursing schools, only the ability to terminate specific programs. — Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026 Temporary Protected Status gave González the ability to work, but did not qualify her for federal financial aid when applying to college. — Jesús Rodríguez, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 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
  • How development slowdown talks could impact RSI A key challenge labs face — and have been facing essentially since the technology’s inception — is ensuring their safety measures advance alongside the models’ capabilities.
    — Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
  • According to a Lockheed Martin news release, the company plans to deliver the first aircraft this year, with full operational capability planned for 2029.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of capability
Noun
  • Preckwinkle aimed the loans at districts with limited borrowing capacity or low cash reserves, offering interest-free money with a simpler application.
    — A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Upgrading avionics, computers, and maintenance systems would also squeeze more useful capacity out of the existing fleet.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of capacity
Noun
  • This space is divided into several thematic areas to highlight the role that the university, its faculty, its students, and other folks affiliated with it have played in a range of topics.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The faculty assistant, who is no longer at the school, sued Pembroke for gender discrimination, hostile work environment and retaliation.
    — Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of faculty
Noun
  • Clearly, Sabres fans value players who can play a skill game while being a pain in the ass to play against.
    — Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Without training camps, would-be terrorists had no place to gain skills and network.
    — Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of skill
Noun
  • Forrester predicts that more than half of layoffs attributed to AI will ultimately be reversed as companies encounter the challenges of replacing human talent prematurely.
    — George Couris, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • This was a quintessential example of trust, with Williams trusting his arm talent and Kmet’s playmaking ability.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of talent
Noun
  • Lewis-Skelly has shown an aptitude for more 360-degree defending and dropping to protect his centre-backs and goalkeeper.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • How could King draw with such aptitude and still struggle to talk?
    — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 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 21 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ability

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ability

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