COMPETENCE Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

competence

noun

ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)s

Definition of competence

as in ability

the physical or mental power to do something questioned his competence to finish the task without help

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 competence Yi-ji, whose competence wins his respect, puts that view to the test. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026 The playoffs are proof of competence, good scouting and style of play that leans more on fundamentals than home runs. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 9 Oct. 2026 What other research is being done A recent study examined whether AI models tend to infer characteristics such as trustworthiness or competence from faces. — Ashique Khudabukhsh, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026 Philadelphia is now entering a stretch of games that will demand competence (and preferably excellence) from the offense. — Andy Behrens, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for competence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for competence

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 additional site will further strengthen the company’s manufacturing network in Colorado and provide additional capacity for its growing space and sensor systems business.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
The massive 5,942-lb (2,695 kg) weight is somewhat disguised by a system that swaps traditional mechanical anti-roll bars for triple-stage adjustable air springs linked to a high-capacity central hydraulic pressure reservoir.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of capacity

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

Noun

That, to me, raises the question of how universities should build the human competencies such as deep thinking, analytical reasoning, judgment, and taste.

— Matt vandenBerg, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Choi is open to a kids’ or men’s acquisition, where Top Pick would stick to its core competency in footwear and then license out brand extensions, such as apparel and accessories.

— Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of competency

Browse Nearby Words

competed

competence

competences

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Competence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/competence. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of competence

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on competence

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

candidate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Old-Timey Vehicles

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes