as in qualified
having the required skills for an acceptable level of performance
looking for an able and reliable assistant
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of able
Shough was able to evade pressure on a broken play and hit tight end Juwan Johnson for a 51-yard catch-and-run play after coverage broke down following a scramble drill.
—
Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2025
Archaeologists were able to penetrate multiple layers to fully understand how the gate was constructed, including its deep foundations and supports.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025
Most were relieved to find that airlines largely stayed on schedule Friday, and those whose flights were called off were able to quickly rebook.
—John Seewer, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
The occupants were able to evacuate, according to Hopkins.
—Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 9 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for able
Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2025
Archaeologists were able to penetrate multiple layers to fully understand how the gate was constructed, including its deep foundations and supports.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025
Most were relieved to find that airlines largely stayed on schedule Friday, and those whose flights were called off were able to quickly rebook.
—John Seewer, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
The occupants were able to evacuate, according to Hopkins.
—Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 9 Nov. 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
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Indeed the Wildcats by topping the Jayhawks qualified for a bowl game.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The Mokum variety, a Nantes type, is suitable for container growing since the orange roots are slim and shorter than some of the larger varieties, reaching six-to-eight inches in length.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
7 Nov. 2025
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During the land use committee hearing, city property agent Tyler Garland said the five parcels are not suitable for multi-family housing and that no city department expressed interest in using them.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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During this time frame, a narrow, intense lake-effect snow band, only about 10 miles wide, will be capable of thunder, wind gusts near 35 mph and near-zero visibility at its peak.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
10 Nov. 2025
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Hurzeler’s Brighton in 2024-25 could be free-scoring and capable of staging immense comebacks.—
Liam Tharme,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Trident routinely cooperates with any competent authority which requests information.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
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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
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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 20 Dec. 2025.
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