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
Relevance
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
Iran’s ability to build and stockpile ballistic missiles and long-range drones has been set back for years, according to the White House.
—
Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026
Brown said the Knicks had been utilizing Towns’ playmaking abilities all season — but not like this.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2026
Having coached him the past two seasons, offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner wasn’t surprised by Philo’s ability to bounce back.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026
He was lauded for his analytical mind and ability to relate to players.
—Kansas City Star, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ability
Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026
Brown said the Knicks had been utilizing Towns’ playmaking abilities all season — but not like this.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2026
Having coached him the past two seasons, offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner wasn’t surprised by Philo’s ability to bounce back.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026
He was lauded for his analytical mind and ability to relate to players.
—Kansas City Star, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ability
Noun
-
Athena unites all these capabilities in a single, rugged, autonomous platform built for search and rescue.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Ruiz will spearhead the strategy and rollout of new products, technologies and capabilities under Nielsen’s measurement science arm, with a particular focus on driving innovation across Nielsen’s measurement solutions and enhancements for clients.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
On January 27, 1973, the United States and the governments of North and South Vietnam signed the Paris Peace Accords, negotiated by Kissinger, in his capacity as Nixon’s national-security adviser, and the North Vietnamese diplomat Le Duc Tho.—
Louis Menand,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Analysts also note that US minesweeping capacity alone is limited.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The California Faculty Association, the union representing Cal State faculty, celebrated the verdict in a statement posted to social media, saying Caravello had been cleared of any wrongdoing and that the decision affirmed his right to protest.—
Cierra Morgan,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The investigation comes after a video circulated on social media that showed a faculty member in the Social Work Department explaining how DEI concepts are still taught in classes at the university.—
Samuel O’Neal
Updated April 10,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The former three-star recruit has the production, movement skills and temperament to hear his name early.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Students learn an abundance of skills in business, art and design, fashion design, photography, software development, and more.—
Chris Wragge,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Jude was painfully conscious of the despoiling of his creative talents.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
-
First, the team is still on the bottom floor of its rebuild and still assessing its talent level.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There’s enough aptitude on the roster and the front office to make a wild-card bid work.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Mark Ruffin, a onetime music director at WBEE, recalled Alston’s enterprising nature and her aptitude for sales.—
Bob Goldsborough,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ability. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
