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
Relevance
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
Two psychologists had conflicting views whether the son of the former co-owners of Knaus Berry Farm — charged with beating his mother to death — was competent to stand trial.
—
Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
Though he was found incompetent because of his mental health issues, Chokr now is competent after treatment, is taking his medication and intends to do so to remain competent, Ayad wrote.
—Christina Hall, Freep.com, 25 Sep. 2025
The offense looked creative and competent.
—Charlotte Observer, 21 Sep. 2025
Education and workforce development are also important; cities will require competent cybersecurity specialists who can manage these complex ecosystems.
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for competent
Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
Though he was found incompetent because of his mental health issues, Chokr now is competent after treatment, is taking his medication and intends to do so to remain competent, Ayad wrote.
—Christina Hall, Freep.com, 25 Sep. 2025
The offense looked creative and competent.
—Charlotte Observer, 21 Sep. 2025
Education and workforce development are also important; cities will require competent cybersecurity specialists who can manage these complex ecosystems.
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for competent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for competent
Adjective
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And that’s the hope that Charlotte fans are holding on to, as Albin is the most qualified head coach at the FBS level that the program has had.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Oct. 2025
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During the 2023-24 school year, 762 students in Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools; 90 in Turner Unified School District; 27 in Piper Unified School District; and 19 in Bonner Springs-Edwardsville Unified School District qualified for McKinney-Vento services, Howze said.—
Sofi Zeman
October 3,
Kansas City Star,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
For much of the last decade, the Mets’ amorphous but always restricted budget drew the justified ire of their fan base.—
Tim Britton,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
-
And that then links to their view of what they’re justified doing in response to the grievances.—
Belinda Luscombe,
Time,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
As comedians from Bill Burr to Kevin Hart were slammed for performing at Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Comedy Festival, Dave Chappelle said the Middle Eastern nation is actually more suitable for stand-up than the United States.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
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Garlic from the grocery store is not suitable for growing.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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And for all the deserved accolades to European captain Luke Donald, such a man exists on that side.—
Hugh Kellenberger,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
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Forecasting the Field Again, Thomas’ potential and deserved win is not for a lack of real competition.—
Mankaprr Conteh,
Rolling Stone,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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General manager Bill Guerin believes Boldy is capable of scoring 50 goals and 50 assists in a season at some point.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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Final thoughts Turkey offers a wide field of capable teams that share common fundamentals even if their styles differ.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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VPNs are legal to use across the United States but there are bans in place in some parts of the world.—
Arpan Lobo,
Freep.com,
4 Oct. 2025
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The investigation began after revelations, first reported by the Herald/Times, that the DeSantis administration directed $10 million from a legal settlement with the Medicaid contractor Centene through the foundation for political purposes.—
Lawrence Mower,
Miami Herald,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Rogers police sent out a news release Thursday about Act 557 of 2025, which allows people get their money back from the kiosks if people follow the proper procedures.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
4 Oct. 2025
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Equipment is not maintained in good repair or does not allow for proper adjustment (Condensation build-up inside of reach-in cooler).—
Gege Reed,
Louisville Courier Journal,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Competent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/competent. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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