competences

noun

plural of competence
as in abilities
the physical or mental power to do something questioned his competence to finish the task without help

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 competences Over billions of years, increasingly greater competences evolved. — Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for competences
  1. abilities
  2. competencies
Noun
  • Neither side has played to the best of their abilities thus far, but both powerhouses have been smart and savvy enough to get the job done.
    — Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • True soccer excellence emerges from years of dedicated, often unstructured play from childhood, like street football, fostering unique abilities in tight spaces.
    — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of abilities
Noun
  • Early or transitioning businesses often create more value by consolidating, narrowing their focus and strengthening their core products, services and competencies.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • This perspective informs Mentor126’s direction and involves the same three competencies any human mentor would use.
    — Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 9 June 2026
Definition of competencies

Browse Nearby Words

competence
competences
competencies
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Cite this Entry

“Competences.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/competences. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on competences

Nglish: Translation of competences for Spanish Speakers

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