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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 Without superpowers or magic to fall back on, heroes had to rely on little more than implausible levels of ingenuity and resilience, a capacity to dodge bullets/laser fire, and a gift for making the right quip at the right time. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 11 July 2026 However, that battery capacity allows the Spéirling Pure to cover a race distance of 25 to 31 miles (40 to 50 km) at maximum LMP2 pace before needing to be plugged back in. — New Atlas, 11 July 2026 Only 25% of production houses supported by the FDC or tax incentives have returned for a second project, leaving 75% unable to build long-term capacity. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 11 July 2026 Each tube can carry seven Tomahawk cruise missiles, adding 28 missiles to the submarine’s existing strike capacity. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 11 July 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
  • Omdia’s recent study found that the volume of phones under $400 will decline, while higher price points will offset the decline.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • Looking ahead, the current transition year sets up Ferrari for rapid growth in 2027, when new models boost sales volumes and profit margins, Rosner said.
    — Assiatou Hann, CNBC, 11 July 2026
Definition of volume
Noun
  • Injuries, pitching problems, batting with runners in scoring position and base-running issues all come to mind quickly.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2026
  • His performance in any of these positions is at the top level.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of position
Noun
  • The pieces of it that Weiden shares with us, including a passage about Native athletes’ crucial role in the early history of the sport of football, are eye-opening.
    — Chris Hewitt, Boston Herald, 10 July 2026
  • Symoné, who is reprising her role as Galleria, will also serve as an executive producer alongside Debra Martin Chase, according to Disney.
    — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 9 July 2026
Definition of role
Noun
  • Derived from a Central African shrub, the drug's ability to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings were uncovered by accident, when Howard Lotsof, a 19-year old addicted to heroin, tried ibogaine out of curiosity in 1962.
    — Gavin Escott, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • The Warriors will likely ask Lendeborg to defend multiple positions during the regular season, and those block were an encouraging sign of his ability to do just that.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
Definition of ability
Noun
  • MetroLoft added roughly 18,000 square feet to 15 upper floors, and the additional load caused two columns to bend, Berman said.
    — Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
  • At a press conference at the site, Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani said that the city was bringing in emergency beams and columns to help shore up some of the unstable building’s load.
    — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 8 July 2026
Definition of load
Noun
  • Last year’s grants paid for things like job skills training aimed at retaining nonprofit employees, specialized accounting services and a marketing program for thrift stores.
    — Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 10 July 2026
  • The Dream, however, snapped back to finish the job and put themselves back in the win column for the first time since June 22.
    — Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of job
Noun
  • However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
    — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 9 July 2026
  • First, only players with three years of NBA experience are eligible (even a portion of a season in the NBA counts as a year for two-way purposes).
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • The Red Sox continue to find ways to win without Willson Contreras — who is serving a five-game suspension — and with a roster full of Triple-A and utility players filling roles and playing to their capabilities.
    — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • Exact charge times are still a bit variable, with McMurtry citing anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes to go from 20% to 95%, depending on the ambient temperature and the capability of the charger.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 July 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 15 Jul. 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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