as in qualified
having the required skills for an acceptable level of performance
looking for an able and reliable assistant
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 able
Their reinforcements are deeper now — here, playing off a three-day rest, Howe was able to make six changes to his squad, having made eight before the 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Tottenham.
—
Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
Dominguez beat the outfielder to first base and was able to corral the throw for the final out of the inning.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2025
This means that filter-feeding oysters would have been able to pass all of Chesapeake Bay’s water through their gills in one day, Mann and Lockwood calculated.
—JSTOR Daily, 31 Oct. 2025
After that, voters will be able to cast their ballots on Tuesday, the final day for voting.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for able
Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
Dominguez beat the outfielder to first base and was able to corral the throw for the final out of the inning.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2025
This means that filter-feeding oysters would have been able to pass all of Chesapeake Bay’s water through their gills in one day, Mann and Lockwood calculated.
—JSTOR Daily, 31 Oct. 2025
After that, voters will be able to cast their ballots on Tuesday, the final day for voting.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for able
Recent Examples of Synonyms for able
Adjective
-
Yes, Indiana likely would’ve qualified for the CFP had Cooper’s heel landed out of bounds and Indiana lost.—
The Athletic College Football Staff,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Indeed the Wildcats by topping the Jayhawks qualified for a bowl game.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
If an item is too large for the washing machine or dishwasher, the non-toxic power of steam is often a suitable alternative.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
2 Nov. 2025
-
Cranberries grow in standard gardens, pots, or any place that’s suitable for blueberries.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Once upon a time, Morant was an unfathomably exciting and productive young player, capable of leading the Grizzlies to contention.—
Eric Koreen,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Australian defense company Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has recently unveiled the world’s most affordable high-energy laser weapon, a 150-kilowatt system called Apollo, capable of destroying up to 200 drones in a single charge, without firing a single bullet or requiring external power.—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Trident routinely cooperates with any competent authority which requests information.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Lots of teams put up competent — and even explosive — offenses every week.—
Zac Jackson,
New York Times,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
However, on his eighth touch, Payne turned a good play into a disaster.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Arsenal’s second-half performance here was arguably their best of the campaign.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Able.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/able. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share