as in masterfully
in a skillful or expert manner
performed the piece at least competently, if not superbly
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Recent Examples of competently
The selling point of the Conjurings is that they are competently made haunted house movies that reliably feature good set pieces.
—
Alison Willmore, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025
The canine, named Charlie, was captured competently pulling the cover off an outdoor paddling pool, all by himself while his owner was away.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
Newsom is a lackluster governor who has doubled down on progressive policies and has failed to competently address California’s myriad crises.
—Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 22 Aug. 2025
The complaints also said Streich failed to act competently, failed to return the client's property, charged unreasonable fees and provided false information to the Board of Professional Responsibility.
—Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Aug. 2025
For example, those remote supervisors will need training, but that’s likely to be far less extensive and costly than the training required to competently fly an aircraft.
—IEEE Spectrum, 17 June 2025
Alison Willmore, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025
The canine, named Charlie, was captured competently pulling the cover off an outdoor paddling pool, all by himself while his owner was away.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
Newsom is a lackluster governor who has doubled down on progressive policies and has failed to competently address California’s myriad crises.
—Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 22 Aug. 2025
The complaints also said Streich failed to act competently, failed to return the client's property, charged unreasonable fees and provided false information to the Board of Professional Responsibility.
—Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Aug. 2025
For example, those remote supervisors will need training, but that’s likely to be far less extensive and costly than the training required to competently fly an aircraft.
—IEEE Spectrum, 17 June 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for competently
Adverb
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Pascoal performed masterfully on keyboards, saxophones, bass clarinet, accordion and an array of other instruments.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Sep. 2025
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These numbers may seem small, but their effect is profound, especially when wielded by longtime Aston design chief Marek Reichman and his team, who have masterfully created a timeless brand language that continues to evolve and feel au courant while never capitulating to trends.—
Brett Berk,
Robb Report,
3 Sep. 2025
Adverb
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Early buzz is that Apatow skillfully navigates both the humor and the heartbreak.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
5 Sep. 2025
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Managing conflicts skillfully today can lay the foundation for deeper resilience, better processes and more innovative thinking down the road.—
Will Fan,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Adverb
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Adolescence was a big winner on the night, also taking best limited series as well as Erin Doherty winning best supporting actress and Owen Cooper becoming the youngest-ever winner for best supporting actor in a limited series.—
Toni Fitzgerald,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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Rogen is best known for his comedy roles in Knocked-Up, Superbad, Pineapple Express, 40-Year-Old-Virgin.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
15 Sep. 2025
Adverb
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Even if the free-agent linebacker addition isn’t back from a quad injury for Week 3 AFC against the Chargers, Justin Strnad filled in more than capably in Week 1, recording five tackles and a sack against Tennessee.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
8 Sep. 2025
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The Netherlands international performed capably in the middle of the back three, flanked by Luke Shaw on the left and Leny Yoro to his right.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
21 Aug. 2025
Adverb
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Over 75% of the student body at Eastway speaks a first language other than English, with many students who do not yet speak English proficiently.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Sep. 2025
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In an October news release announcing the partnership, district officials said the long-term goal will focus on ensuring all students can read proficiently by third grade and pave the way for success for the rest of their academic careers.—
Lina Ruiz,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Sep. 2025
Adverb
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Eighteen years on from her international debut in Osaka in 2007, her final bow taking place in Tokyo means Fraser-Pryce’s career is neatly bookended by World Championships in Japan.—
Liam Tharme,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
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Solving Messy, Unclear Problems Not every challenge at work comes neatly labeled with instructions.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Adverb
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Purdy missed Week 2 due to a toe injury, and QB2 Mac Jones filled in ably by completing 26 of 39 pass attempts and throwing for 279 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
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And Mason Yang — who shares the role of Jim Hawkins with Truman Bednar — ably guides us through our protagonist’s transformation.—
Rob Hubbard,
Twin Cities,
15 Sep. 2025
Adverb
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Because contemporary phantoms of Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, and Rolex are expertly constructed to entice even the most discerning eye, provenance is crucial.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
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Below, a break down of the awkward interview and how Edebiri handled it expertly.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Competently.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/competently. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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