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
The administration has disregarded events in Gaza and has hollowed out the FBI and intelligence services, putting fealty to the president above competence for the job.
—
Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 5 June 2025
In fact, university participants rated swearing robots as the most socially close and most humorous, and rated non-expletive and expletive robot reactions equivalent on social warmth, competence, discomfort, anthropomorphism, and likability scales.
—IEEE Spectrum, 3 June 2025
Gillers echoes this, highlighting how the ABA does not look at ideology during its evaluation of nominees, but instead at competence.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 30 May 2025
Meyers uses Ben as a symbol of quiet competence and grace in a world Jules occupies, which is often overwhelmed by noise and speed.
—Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for competence
Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 5 June 2025
In fact, university participants rated swearing robots as the most socially close and most humorous, and rated non-expletive and expletive robot reactions equivalent on social warmth, competence, discomfort, anthropomorphism, and likability scales.
—IEEE Spectrum, 3 June 2025
Gillers echoes this, highlighting how the ABA does not look at ideology during its evaluation of nominees, but instead at competence.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 30 May 2025
Meyers uses Ben as a symbol of quiet competence and grace in a world Jules occupies, which is often overwhelmed by noise and speed.
—Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for competence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for competence
Noun
-
The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
28 June 2025
-
The bold patterns add a touch of fun, and the bag’s ability to stand upright ensures easy packing and unpacking on busy beach days.—
Jené Luciani Sena
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
28 June 2025
Noun
-
Improving your physical stamina mainly involves cardiovascular training to increase your aerobic capacity, which is the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during exercise.—
Jakob Roze,
Health,
19 June 2025
-
License methods that scale beyond your personal capacity.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
Noun
-
For example, digital and advanced load board usage is now a staple in auto transport, but new capabilities are being developed in real time.—
Bek Abdullayev,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
-
That threat would initially come from Iran’s ability to share nuclear weapons with the remnants of its proxies and later from ballistic missiles as the country’s capabilities progressed.—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
24 June 2025
Noun
-
Certification boards ensure ongoing professional competency through standardized exams and continuing education requirements.—
Web Golinkin,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
-
There are two fundamental characteristics needed if Arsenal do decide to recruit or promote to fill Cuesta’s role — an elevated level of competency and an extreme level of trust.—
Amy Lawrence,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Competence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/competence. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share