capacity

noun

kə-ˈpa-sə-tē How to pronounce capacity (audio)
Definition of capacitynext
1
as in volume
the largest number or amount that something can hold the seating capacity of the school auditorium is 800 people

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2
as in position
an assignment at which one regularly works for pay served in the capacity of the network's White House correspondent for a year

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3
as in role
the action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists offered advice in his capacity as a lawyer

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4
as in ability
the physical or mental power to do something not everyone has the capacity for learning higher math

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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 capacity Estimates have put the number of passengers as high as 153, while authorities say the ferry’s capacity is 90. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026 Preconceptions, assumptions, and advance knowledge in the viewing public are regarded as impediments to the capacity of the tale to surprise, startle, or transport. — Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026 Both countries are developing domestic manufacturing, although limited industrial capacity means most production is confined to assembly. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 15 Aug. 2026 Even before the attacks, Russian space officials said demand for Soyuz rockets were exceeding the production capacity, Russian Space Web reports. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for capacity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capacity
  1. volume
  2. position
  3. role
  4. ability
  5. load
  6. job
  7. purpose
  8. capability
Noun
  • The volume was another big shift, too, as Simpson has had a strikingly low number of reps in training camp despite the unsettled nature of the Rams’ backup quarterback position after Jimmy Garoppolo’s departure.
    — Nate Atkins, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • In about two short months, the NBA regular season will officially kick off, but if the volume of offseason golf is any indication, the competitiveness started well before that opening tip.
    — Omar Jimenez, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of volume
Noun
  • The collaboration also introduces a fresh position by which enthusiasts can appreciate the super sports car company.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The Angle Wedge Pillow's distinctive triangular shape cradles your legs and knees at a precise 45-degree angle to relieve tension in your back, while the Knee-T keeps legs, hips and spine in a neutral position to reduce pressure on your lower back.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of position
Noun
  • Scorpio October 23 – November 21 A group plan can improve when the roles become clearer.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Getting the role wasn’t any sort of immediate windfall either.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of role
Noun
  • When jobs change quickly, the ability to learn, adjust, and respond gives you an advantage.
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • With the leading models becoming ever more powerful, their ability to act in malicious ways is turning into a major threat for corporations and governments, especially as the risk involves hacking into critical computer systems and infrastructure.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of ability
Noun
  • Like a spacecraft control panel, design should reduce cognitive load while keeping critical actions visible and understandable.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • As a result, Zinn couldn’t bear doubling their stress load, both by his being in harm’s way and their taking a financial hit by losing his dependable shipyard check.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of load
Noun
  • The Republican nominee also said the work agreements that allow many state employees to perform their jobs remotely need reform as well.
    — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In 2004, Norris took a job as an editorial manager of publications at the Joint Commission in Oakbrook Terrace.
    — Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of job
Noun
  • But, rather than demolish the historic bridge, it was preserved and given a new purpose.
    — Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The purpose of the RIMPAC demonstration was to showcase a new artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) sonar processing system called SensorMAX.
    — David Szondy August 12, New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Ministry spokesman Sun Li-fang said NCSIST had already verified jamming capabilities for the newer frequency and would introduce them through future upgrades.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Final Thoughts The Qidi Max 4 feels like a machine designed for people who care more about capability, material flexibility, and printing large, functional parts than chasing a perfectly polished consumer-appliance experience.
    — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of capability

Browse Nearby Words

capacities
capacity
caparison
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Cite this Entry

“Capacity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capacity. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on capacity

Nglish: Translation of capacity for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about capacity

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