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 Carney said Washington introduced language in the final hours of negotiations that would have restricted Canada’s ability to make trade deals with other countries. — Rob Gillies, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026 The play of the day The ability to improve a dormant pass rush will fall to the rookies. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 23 Aug. 2026 Even today, a quick glance at The Times’ library reveals an almost supernatural ability to blanket a beat. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026 Perched high above the surrounding countryside, this French Country home offers privacy, tranquility and the ability to look out for miles over the Farmington River Valley. — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 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
  • Industry leaders agree that AI capabilities have yet to fully translate to the frontline.
    — Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The available performance hardware and sport-oriented chassis tuning give it enough capability that the driver can have fun without feeling as though the vehicle is constantly at odds with that.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of capability
Noun
  • Grid access, cooling, computing capacity and facility design increasingly have to be planned as one system.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Despite having the world's greatest nuclear reactor capacity, since the 1970s the United States has operated in a comparatively retrograde state in terms of the industry.
    — David Szondy August 22, New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of capacity
Noun
  • Atlanta Beltline is expanding its free autonomous shuttle service to the Atlanta University Center (AUC), giving students, faculty and staff another connection to MARTA and destinations among the Beltline ahead of the fall semester.
    — CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Verified college students and faculty members can receive a $50 first-purchase discount, and TW-series models come with a complimentary large seat.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of faculty
Noun
  • Could similar skills transform the electoral process and make remote voting feasible in wartime?
    — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Porter Martone and Matvei Michkov give the Flyers two premium wingers with tremendous skill and sense.
    — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of skill
Noun
  • The backstory Once upon a time, there was a Spanish family blessed with a talent for finding historic buildings and transforming them into hotels that anyone who admires beauty and nature would want to visit.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The Crusaders graduated a lot of talent from last year’s squad, but should get healthy against the Seahawks.
    — Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of talent
Noun
  • However, the Jets feel that Klubnik has good mental processing and the aptitude for explosive plays downfield.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Many of its rites can be performed by anyone, but there have often been individuals with a special aptitude for and knowledge of these practices.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 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 24 Aug. 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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