1
as in qualified
having the required skills for an acceptable level of performance
any competent mechanic should be able to fix that
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in justified
being what is called for by accepted standards of right and wrong
the arbiter has all the necessary information to make a competent decision on the matter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of competent
And there are some but not enough competent instructors who can teach and inspire new hunters instead of just dragging them through an obligatory course.
—
The Editors, Outdoor Life, 30 Oct. 2025
The Panthers’ passing offense isn’t proficient enough to stay consistently competitive with competent opponents when Carolina gets down big.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2025
Mookie Betts put in countless hours of work to become not just a competent major-league shortstop but one good enough to become a Gold Glove finalist and a Fielding Bible Award winner.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 28 Oct. 2025
Of the countries expected to have a security role, Turkey is among the more competent.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for competent
The Editors, Outdoor Life, 30 Oct. 2025
The Panthers’ passing offense isn’t proficient enough to stay consistently competitive with competent opponents when Carolina gets down big.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2025
Mookie Betts put in countless hours of work to become not just a competent major-league shortstop but one good enough to become a Gold Glove finalist and a Fielding Bible Award winner.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 28 Oct. 2025
Of the countries expected to have a security role, Turkey is among the more competent.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for competent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for competent
Adjective
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Yes, Indiana likely would’ve qualified for the CFP had Cooper’s heel landed out of bounds and Indiana lost.—
The Athletic College Football Staff,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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Indeed the Wildcats by topping the Jayhawks qualified for a bowl game.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The justified fear was that without a conference affiliation with the two biggest schools in the Big 12 would be catastrophic to Texas Tech University, its football team, the entire athletic department, and to Lubbock itself.—
Mac Engel
November 8,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Nov. 2025
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Majumdar lavishes her characters with careful attention, and so the reader comes to regard their most troubling actions as justified, if not inevitable.—
Tope Folarin,
The Atlantic,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The Mokum variety, a Nantes type, is suitable for container growing since the orange roots are slim and shorter than some of the larger varieties, reaching six-to-eight inches in length.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
7 Nov. 2025
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During the land use committee hearing, city property agent Tyler Garland said the five parcels are not suitable for multi-family housing and that no city department expressed interest in using them.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Well done, mate, well deserved.—
Liza Esquibias,
PEOPLE,
5 Nov. 2025
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Can that work in the big leagues, where the manager is usually a glorified PR staffer who talks to the media and takes the blame (deserved or not) for losses?—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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During this time frame, a narrow, intense lake-effect snow band, only about 10 miles wide, will be capable of thunder, wind gusts near 35 mph and near-zero visibility at its peak.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
10 Nov. 2025
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Hurzeler’s Brighton in 2024-25 could be free-scoring and capable of staging immense comebacks.—
Liam Tharme,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Through amendments, the board ultimately restored minimal funding for eviction legal support, farmers' market FoodShare matching and support for families with children with disabilities or developmental delays.—
Claudia Levens,
jsonline.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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Early in 2025, the production allegedly hit a legal roadblock due to a clause in a settlement made with one of Jackson's former accusers, Jordan Chandler.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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However, be sure to refer to your care label before determining the proper wash settings.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Nov. 2025
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Old Medications Regularly checking expiration dates in your fridge or pantry might already be a part of your cleaning routine, but that medicine cabinet full of little bottles could go years without a proper cleanout.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Competent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/competent. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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