1
as in abilities
a skill, an ability, or knowledge that makes a person able to do a particular job
the nature of the tasks to which you are assigned will depend on your capabilities
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in capacities
the physical or mental power to do something
the natural capability some people seem to have for teaching
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in possibilities
something that can develop or become actual
there are great capabilities in the property, either as a bed-and-breakfast or as a private home
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 capabilities
Swift’s mission could have naturally come to an end, but the NASA team wanted to try to extend its scientific observations since no ready replacement exists for the telescope — and test capabilities needed for future exploration.
—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
3 July 2026
During its mission to hunt down Puma, Jackal was able to demonstrate several critical capabilities, including proximity operations and satellite image identification.
—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
3 July 2026
Expanding Italian footprint Together with the Sesto San Giovanni facility, the Noventa di Piave site provides manufacturing, research, and testing capabilities that support Italy’s electricity infrastructure while also serving export markets.
—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
3 July 2026
When organizations are transparent about capabilities, limitations and expected ROI, clients are far more likely to adopt, expand and stay engaged over the long term.
—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
The company’s goal is to integrate satellite communications, navigation, and Earth-observation capabilities into future generations of autonomous vehicles.
—
Rainer Zitelmann,
Fortune,
2 July 2026
Ukraine lacked these capabilities, preventing any comparable response for the first 2 1/2 years of the war.
—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
28 June 2026
Those included surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air defense sites, drone storage facilities and minelayer capabilities.
—
Willem Marx,
NPR,
28 June 2026
Local organizations can build partnerships that improve response capabilities.
—
Brian Henriquez,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 June 2026
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
3 July 2026
During its mission to hunt down Puma, Jackal was able to demonstrate several critical capabilities, including proximity operations and satellite image identification.
—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
3 July 2026
Expanding Italian footprint Together with the Sesto San Giovanni facility, the Noventa di Piave site provides manufacturing, research, and testing capabilities that support Italy’s electricity infrastructure while also serving export markets.
—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
3 July 2026
When organizations are transparent about capabilities, limitations and expected ROI, clients are far more likely to adopt, expand and stay engaged over the long term.
—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
The company’s goal is to integrate satellite communications, navigation, and Earth-observation capabilities into future generations of autonomous vehicles.
—
Rainer Zitelmann,
Fortune,
2 July 2026
Ukraine lacked these capabilities, preventing any comparable response for the first 2 1/2 years of the war.
—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
28 June 2026
Those included surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air defense sites, drone storage facilities and minelayer capabilities.
—
Willem Marx,
NPR,
28 June 2026
Local organizations can build partnerships that improve response capabilities.
—
Brian Henriquez,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capabilities
Noun
-
From Sunday school to public school In recent years, Texas leaders have broadly eliminated studies of racial and cultural diversity while expanding the schools’ abilities to introduce Christianity to students.
-
The white equine with a red cape originated as a centaur who was transformed into a full horse and given enhanced abilities through witchy ways.
Noun
-
The majority of the stadiums in the most recent tournament, which was hosted by Qatar, had maximum capacities of around 45,000 people, according to FIFA.
-
However, the panel unanimously affirmed the lower court’s decision, based on its earlier ruling that plaintiffs cannot sue government officials in their individual capacities for monetary damages – only the institution.
Noun
-
After ruling out all other possibilities, Dhingra finally diagnosed Williams with IC‑MPGN, a kidney disease related to the immune system.
-
Your curious mind sees possibilities, yet a course fee, trip idea, or upgrade may clash with your budget, so compare options patiently and decide what matters now.
Noun
-
Learn how to identify the skills employers value most, demonstrate them effectively throughout your resume, and avoid common mistakes that hide your qualifications.
-
Aiello said one of her greatest qualifications is her current leadership role within the office.
Noun
-
However, enthusiastically advocating for the empowering benefits of hypertext and hypermedia or skeptically warning against their manipulative potentials might not be the only available choice.
-
Fortunately, by Gemini season, your world gets a little brighter — new ideas, travel plans or opportunities open doors to new potentials.
Noun
-
My history suggests very successful proficiencies in this model.
-
Lastly, players can also pick up more powerful weapons that grow stronger as their proficiencies increase.
Noun
-
Of the 20, UM has 11 who are four-star prospects and four who are five-star players.
-
Managers typically make an effort to get most if not all of the prospects one each roster in the game, often limiting pitchers to one inning or less of work with hitters often getting pinch hit for at some point.
Noun
-
The University of Pittsburgh’s record-setting growth is reshaping both its campus and Oakland, as the university leans into a long-term expansion plan that adds student beds, new facilities and economic heft to one of Pennsylvania’s busiest urban districts.
-
Renting out parking lots, auditoriums and other school facilities often involves coming in on weekends and troubleshooting issues with vendors throughout the week, the North Side principal said.
Cite this Entry
“Capabilities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capabilities. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
