Synonyms of competence

competence

noun

ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)s 

as in ability

the physical or mental power to do something

questioned his competence to finish the task without help

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ability
• capacity
• capability
• competency
• aptitude
• talent
• faculty
• skill
• capableness
• reason
• equipment
• instinct
• knack
• gift
• facility
• prowess
• understanding
• intelligence
• dexterity
• resourcefulness
• endowment
• usefulness
• address
• influence
• resources
• adequacy
• effectiveness
• potency
• aptness
• fitness
• gray matter
• adroitness
• deftness
• means
• might
• staying power
• ken
• hand
• stuff
• wherewithal
• puissance
• effectualness
• form

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incompetence
• disability
• incompetency
• incapacity
• inability
• ineptitude
• ineptness
• incapability
• paralysis
• weakness
• helplessness
• impotence
• deficiency
• powerlessness
• inadequacy
• ineffectiveness
• impairment
• defectiveness
• uselessness
• inefficacy
• ineffectuality
• incapableness
• incapacitation
• ineffectualness
• disablement
• debilitation
• inadequateness
• inefficaciousness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of competence

So our stories have shrunk accordingly; the stakes become professional competence, emotional regulation, and endurance. — Henry Metz, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026

Beyond the kicker, the front office quietly raised the roster’s floor, providing more competence for special teams — which typically uses bottom-of-the-roster backups and third-stringers. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 7 Sep. 2026

In football, a bit of effort and a broad display of competence is generally accepted as a pretty decent return. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Whatever our party affiliation or political views, Americans should appreciate Roosevelt’s ingenuity, determination and confidence and applaud Eisenhower’s competence, planning and stewardship. — John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026