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 Not exactly the most famous names in Major League Baseball, sure, but an example of the Rays' depth and ability to create tough matchups for opposing pitchers up and down the lineup. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 So the president has the ability under the statute to be able to look at national interests. — NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026 In other words, the job requires the ability to be both a patient and a teacher, sometimes simultaneously. — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2026 Inside linebackers Bobby Okereke and Devin Lloyd each earned a sack, and without the worry of Hurts’ scrambling ability, this defensive front-seven thrived. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 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 Pentagon has bet its fighter jet future on Boeing, raising questions about competition, cost, and capability.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The problem, Snegovaya said, is that achieving military autonomy for Europe and Ukraine is extremely difficult in the short term, and Europe has been slow to develop the necessary capabilities.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of capability
Noun
  • But can a single supplier, no matter how competent and experienced, possibly be relied upon to deliver such a critical part of both forces’ future warfighting capacity?
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 18 Oct. 2026
  • High-ambition leaders building a new model of development deserve a high-ambition international financial system with the capacity to enable them to get there.
    — Masood Ahmed, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of capacity
Noun
  • The cases are then reviewed by a panel of faculty and staff, which can impose punishments ranging from verbal warnings to suspension or expulsion.
    — Casey Tolan, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
  • According to Packman, approximately 150 faculty members have signaled their support for the resolution, and the measure was co-sponsored by a dozen members of the faculty senate.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of faculty
Noun
  • The students who stepped forward when their teacher collapsed playing basketball in Michigan illustrate what becomes possible when CPR skills are taught before they are needed.
    — Meng Yang, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Cheung said professionalism, patience and strong communication skills are particularly important for applicants, as is the ability to offer constructive criticism to students.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of skill
Noun
  • Games Can’t Gamble on Talent Opportunities to develop emerging talent are becoming harder to find, particularly in video games, van Beek said.
    — Callum McLennan, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Some from the more traditional world struggled to understand a TV and film production company that began life as a music video producer and doubled as a commercials maker and talent house for directors.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of talent
Noun
  • The Duke then entered the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, where his aptitude for foreign languages was recognized with a prize.
    — Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Naturally, his work at Celine has now been put in conversation with hers, especially because both designers share an aptitude for creating clothes real people want to wear–and, therefore, many of the same fans.
    — Joan Kennedy, Vogue, 2 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ability

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