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 More computing capacity could also help AI labs develop new models and services, creating further demand for Nvidia products. — Kif Leswing,isabel O'Brien, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026 This week, Maine’s Department of Energy Resources said that residents statewide would pay around $750 more than last year to fill a standard 275-gallon tank to capacity. — Rachel Siegel, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 As Taiz’s fuel supplies dwindle, its water utility is struggling to maintain limited operations and desalination plants are running well below capacity. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 Cornerback Cobie Durant, who has missed four games with a hamstring strain, returned to the practice field in a full capacity this week and does not carry an injury designation going into Monday night. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 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
  • Both engines target military applications where production volume and affordability matter.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026
  • DoorDash has emerged as the most successful stand-alone online delivery platform in America, commanding some two-thirds of all food-delivery volumes as of 2024, according to Bloomberg data.
    — Rob Wile, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of volume
Noun
  • Typically, the general in the position and their staff are responsible for generating and coordinating military plans for both the chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the president.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
  • There’s likely to be more drama for Democratic positions lower on the ladder, largely for challenges to sitting committee leaders.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of position
Noun
  • The Olympic Games are less than two years away, and the sheriff’s department will be expected to play a major role in keeping millions of visitors and athletes safe.
    — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Evers said Crowley also played a large role in negotiations on a $500 million deal to upgrade the baseball stadium where the Milwaukee Brewers play and to keep the team in the city through 2050.
    — Maayan Silver, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of role
Noun
  • That allowed the Dolphins to limit Maye’s ability to not just make off-schedule throws but really throw the ball downfield at a high clip during the first two quarters.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
  • In contrast, consciousness is the ability to feel pain, pleasure, love and have subjective experiences.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of ability
Noun
  • The distance is worth it for travelers who want a budget-friendly hotel that still has loads of style, as prices tend to be significantly lower than downtown hotels.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
  • If the rate change takes effect in 2027, Barbosa said the center will have to cut its patient load in half, particularly affecting older patients who rely on care close to home.
    — Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of load
Noun
  • Despite a strong growth forecast for the region, unemployment among the fast-growing youth population remains stubbornly high, leading to political instability and leaving the authorities looking for ways to create more jobs.
    — Martin K.N Siele, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • When the heavy hand of government borrowing reduces private investment, jobs are at stake.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of job
Noun
  • North Korea’s Missile Administration said its cluster warheads fall into four categories, depending on their intended purpose.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The flashback structure doesn’t serve much of a purpose except to delay the audience’s complete endorsement of a character who, though appropriately cantankerous, is unambiguously a hero and nice guy.
    — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • Each ship comes with 16 missile launch cells, a Lockheed Martin SPY-7 radar, an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter, and other cutting-edge missile defense capabilities.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Nevertheless, for investors willing to develop that capability, international sourcing can create access to businesses that domestic-only buyers overlook.
    — Chris Russo, Sportico.com, 24 Oct. 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 5 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on capacity

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about capacity

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