able

adjective

ˈā-bəl How to pronounce able (audio)
Definition of ablenext
as in qualified
having the required skills for an acceptable level of performance looking for an able and reliable assistant

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 able Still, overall, this is a defense corps that looks more mobile than last season’s group, better able to transition the puck and join the rush. — Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 7 July 2026 The fire briefly threatened homes in the area before firefighters were able to gain the upper hand, the department said. — Seamus Bozeman follow, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 As the winners of Fort Worth’s Neighborhood of the Year, Como was able to compete in the Neighborhood USA Conference against other neighborhoods across the country. — Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026 On Monday, July 6, royal sources said the estranged prince would not be able to stay at Buckingham Palace after missing the deadline to respond to an accommodation offer from the king. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for able
Recent Examples of Synonyms for able
  1. qualified
  2. suitable
  3. capable
  4. competent
  5. good
Adjective
  • The actor is certainly qualified to share guidance, as he's been married to Rita Wilson for nearly four decades.
    — Janey Wetzel, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
  • Duffy said the move was intended to hold states accountable for ensuring only qualified and properly vetted drivers were allowed behind the wheel of commercial trucks.
    — Elaine Mallon , James Cirrone , Bill Melugin, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of qualified
Adjective
  • There is also an abundance of suitable training facilities in the region, which is in the circuit of MLS preseason destinations.
    — Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • The modular, and containerized electromagnetic aircraft launch system is capable of deploying drones from almost any suitable location.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
Definition of suitable
Adjective
  • And Ormund Hightower appears to be very capable at this particular game, which should come as no surprise given Otto was his uncle and the Hightowers are wildly rich and powerful.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • The powerful winds are capable of causing catastrophic damage to structures while downing trees and power lines, and producing prolonged power outages.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Definition of capable
Adjective
  • This highly competent, obsessive duo tumbles into a self-destructive cat-and-mouse dynamic — but who’s the cat and who’s the mouse?
    — Sara Netzley, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026
  • The burden of this rule will fall heaviest on first-generation and nontraditional students — the exact demographic necessary to build a culturally competent health care workforce.
    — David S. Shapiro, STAT, 30 June 2026
Definition of competent
Adjective
  • The next best thing to intravenous intervention when dehydrated is Liquid IV.
    — Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
  • Our best guess is that there might be a little bit of recognition for the youngest generations, too, watching all those clips — as in, Holy cow, Austin Powers was real!
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 7 July 2026
Definition of good

Browse Nearby Words

ablaze
able
able-bodied
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Able.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/able. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on able

Nglish: Translation of able for Spanish Speakers

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