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 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
  • Behind the scenes, Chicago historian and media personality Studs Terkel played an integral role, acting as a guide for Mitchell.
    — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Unusual weather conditions played a role, officials said, with the number of extreme heat warning days tripling from five in 2025 to 15 so far this year.
    — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of role
Noun
  • By increasing its manufacturing capacity, the company aims to strengthen its ability to deliver advanced systems to customers.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Who knows if SpaceX will win the war, but with the amount of spectrum being bought by Musk and his ability to access capital, Starlink will most likely take share from Charter and Comcast first, and then AT & T and Verizon next.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 25 Oct. 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
  • Its purpose is to help eliminate malignant cells that may remain after surgery, reducing the chance of another tumor taking hold.
    — Mike McRae October 25, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The decor nods to her career without losing sight of the hotel’s purpose as a place to unwind after a day exploring Music City.
    — Tracey Teo, AJC.com, 26 Oct. 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 2 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on capacity

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about capacity

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