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
Research into language and identity shows that listeners frequently associate accented speech with lower intelligence or competence, despite there being no connection between accent and cognitive ability.
—
Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 26 Feb. 2026
In January, in January, elite American warriors carried out one of the most complex, spectacular feats of military competence and power in world history.
—Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026
These failures help contribute to the lack of confidence Americans in general have in Democrats’ ability to run things — their governmental competence.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
There were almost no visible signs of this pestering affliction, which interfered with the rabbi’s sleep and therefore with his mental competence and his negotiation of daytime duties and professional matters.
—Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for competence
Karen Stollznow, The Conversation, 26 Feb. 2026
In January, in January, elite American warriors carried out one of the most complex, spectacular feats of military competence and power in world history.
—Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026
These failures help contribute to the lack of confidence Americans in general have in Democrats’ ability to run things — their governmental competence.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
There were almost no visible signs of this pestering affliction, which interfered with the rabbi’s sleep and therefore with his mental competence and his negotiation of daytime duties and professional matters.
—Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for competence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for competence
Noun
-
Next, the team wants to use digital reconstruction methods to correct deformation on other parts of the skull, such as the braincase, to reveal insights about the brain size of Little Foot — and potentially unlock clues about the cognitive abilities of our early human ancestors.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Surviving and thriving for 150 years requires ongoing commitment, generosity, leadership and the unique ability to adapt repeatedly without drifting from or losing one’s core values.—
David Swanson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Oil refineries remain a major retaliatory target too, as shown when Saudi Arabia intercepted two drones on Monday morning at Ras Tanura, one of the country’s largest oil refineries, which has the capacity to produce 550,000 barrels a day.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
2 Mar. 2026
-
The Pentagon leader vowed the conflict would destroy Tehran’s capacity to launch missiles against Western allies and its effort to build nuclear weapon.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The exact missile type remains unclear, raising questions about whether Iran is trialing medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs) with maneuverable or hypersonic capabilities.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Mar. 2026
-
The attack was likely meant to demonstrate how the group, a once reliable and powerful proxy of the Islamic Republic, still has the capability and the will to strike on behalf of Tehran.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Under the voluntary commitment, 53 medical schools will administer 40 hours of nutrition education or a 40-hour competency equivalent starting in fall 2026, Kennedy said at an event at the Department of Health and Human Services.—
Reuters
Wire Service,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Mar. 2026
-
San Antonio got its guy in Wemby, understood what his core competency is and then built a culture that fits around it.—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Competence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/competence. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
