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 The drug has possible multiple indications – industry jargon for its ability to treat more than one condition – for lung and prostate cancer. — Annie Nova, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026 His diagnoses ultimately affected his ability to play music, and Phil retired ahead of his rock band Genesis’ final tour in 2022. — Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026 It’s poised to imminently cross the billion-dollar mark, underscoring Nolan’s ability to transform his movies into cultural events. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 2 Aug. 2026 The theme here is Chicago’s elite defense and the organization’s confidence in its ability to look beyond the surface-level statistics. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 2 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
  • The anniversary coincided with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ’s government revising the country's defense policy to further bolster the military's offensive capability.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Each sides’ offensive capabilities now appear to be outstripping their air defenses, analysts say.
    — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of capability
Noun
  • That means investing in domestic manufacturing capacity, strengthening supply chains for critical components and accelerating the deployment of American robotics across industry.
    — Ariyan Kabir, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
  • While Blanche has already been leading the department in an acting capacity, his confirmation could free him to pursue the administration’s agenda even more aggressively.
    — Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of capacity
Noun
  • Former Vice President Mike Pence will join Colorado Christian University as a visiting faculty member for the coming academic year, the school announced this week.
    — Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Protecting affordable medical education and supporting faculty and staff compensation are not mutually exclusive.
    — Opinion, Hartford Courant, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of faculty
Noun
  • This process helps redefine identity and find new avenues for skills and values, proving that professional identity isn't erased when a job title disappears.
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Bush and Bell both honed their leadership skills in Ferguson amid the racial unrest that followed the fatal shooting of Michael Brown by a police officer in 2014.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of skill
Noun
  • Shawn Vanderhoven is a partner at The Wiseman Group, a thought leadership and consulting firm working with many of the biggest and brightest companies in the S&P and focusing on developing a leader's ability to fully utilize their people’s talent.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The community came together Wednesday to wish the young talent good luck at a send-off celebration and pizza party.
    — Allen Devlin, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of talent
Noun
  • Interrogations into rabbit vampirism aside, Bunnicula compelled me most because its narrator is a dog—one who, despite his aptitude for writing, cannot otherwise communicate with people.
    — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
  • Mox shoved Rick Knox, who still didn’t have the guts or aptitude to call for a disqualification.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 26 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 10 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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