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
These early responsibilities appeared to instill essential life skills, fostering greater competence and independence over time.
—
Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
Colleagues say his quiet competence commands respect.
—Peter Jensen, Baltimore Sun, 6 June 2025
The Lakers sometimes felt as if they were backed by a manifest destiny more than ruthless competence.
—Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 19 June 2025
Sherrill prevailed with 34% of the vote after a campaign that promised competence and spotlighted her resume as a Navy veteran and former federal prosecutor.
—Susan Page, USA Today, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for competence
Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
Colleagues say his quiet competence commands respect.
—Peter Jensen, Baltimore Sun, 6 June 2025
The Lakers sometimes felt as if they were backed by a manifest destiny more than ruthless competence.
—Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 19 June 2025
Sherrill prevailed with 34% of the vote after a campaign that promised competence and spotlighted her resume as a Navy veteran and former federal prosecutor.
—Susan Page, USA Today, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for competence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for competence
Noun
-
Literacy is a basic ability, and fluency is the next level of skill in an area or domain.—
Nisha Talagala,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
Others marveled at his ability to stand up to Trump with clarity and compassion.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
Braun will stick around in an executive advisory capacity, serving as director of the board and senior advisor to HYBE chairman/CEO Bang Si-Hyuk.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
1 July 2025
-
However, with Venus retrograde moving from Aries to Pisces on the 27th, you may be forced to acknowledge what’s outside of your capacity.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
Williams also brought in massive changes to its technical staff, that are improving the team's aerodynamic capabilities.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 July 2025
-
The standard set by Tesla's software ecosystem, which includes autonomous driving capabilities and over-the-air updates, is bar none.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
6 July 2025
Noun
-
As industries prioritize specific competencies over traditional credentials, post-secondary education must adapt to remain impactful.—
Michael Hansen,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
One of those regulations halts state guidelines for teacher preparation to include training on social-emotional learning, cultural competency and restorative justice.—
Carole Carlson,
Chicago Tribune,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Competence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/competence. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share