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
But the speed and the solidarity with which states came forward suggest the states don’t feel like the DOJ acted competently.
—
Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Wrike is a deeply customizable project management app that competently handles everything from building forms to proofing, though its costs can be high.
—Ruben Circelli, PC Magazine, 10 Mar. 2026
Nevertheless, Mustaine’s leadership ensures that Megadeth has all the hallmarks of a competently forgettable Megadeth album.
—Eli Enis, Pitchfork, 26 Jan. 2026
Public programs retain support only when voters believe they are competently managed, and this story suggests the opposite.
—Matt K. Lewis, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026
But the price tag will rise by another $10 billion, the completion date will be pushed off to 2050, and people will begin to fondly reminisce about how competently the Big Dig project was run.
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
And why can’t the state competently handle major tech projects?
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 30 Nov. 2025
On the Longhorns’ lone scoring drive, Manning performs competently, but running back Quintrevion Wisner does the heavy lifting with a 37-yard run.
—Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2025
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
Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Wrike is a deeply customizable project management app that competently handles everything from building forms to proofing, though its costs can be high.
—Ruben Circelli, PC Magazine, 10 Mar. 2026
Nevertheless, Mustaine’s leadership ensures that Megadeth has all the hallmarks of a competently forgettable Megadeth album.
—Eli Enis, Pitchfork, 26 Jan. 2026
Public programs retain support only when voters believe they are competently managed, and this story suggests the opposite.
—Matt K. Lewis, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026
But the price tag will rise by another $10 billion, the completion date will be pushed off to 2050, and people will begin to fondly reminisce about how competently the Big Dig project was run.
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
And why can’t the state competently handle major tech projects?
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 30 Nov. 2025
On the Longhorns’ lone scoring drive, Manning performs competently, but running back Quintrevion Wisner does the heavy lifting with a 37-yard run.
—Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for competently
Adverb
-
The show at the Kimbell is masterfully installed, both impressive and subtle in its narrative flow and visual rhythm and at moments quite moving.—
Sarah Kozlowski,
Dallas Morning News,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Jeffries then masterfully wrapped Copeland’s hair into what was meant to appear like an infinite knot.—
Tori Crowther,
Allure,
16 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Gorton skillfully depicts the grueling decades-long struggle of Sanger (the icon, in this telling) and Dennett (the idealist) to make birth control available and legal, as well as their interpersonal competition for power and influence.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Adriana Lambarri’s costumes skillfully replicate the actor’s garb in the film while composer/sound designer Jazer Sibley-Schwartz channels at the outset a knowing nod to John Williams’ indelible, two-note cadence of menacing notes announcing the shark’s arrival.—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
10 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Experts estimate that their new world tour could become the best-selling ever, challenging Taylor Swift’s $2 billion record, while Bloomberg predicted that today’s launch concert alone could generate as much as $177 million in economic activity for Seoul.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Ovalles Ubri, also from Allentown, has been arrested in connection with the shooting as well.—
Laura Fay,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
The Broncos are high on rising third-year tackle Frank Crum, who filled in capably in spot snaps in 2025 when McGlinchey was temporarily banged up.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
7 Mar. 2026
-
The wacky characters and stretchy action of the franchise were capably brought to life in a candy-colored world, and it was renewed for a second season almost immediately.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
6 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Perhaps the most controversial policy is holding back third graders who cannot read proficiently.—
Theara Coleman,
TheWeek,
14 Jan. 2026
-
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
Adverb
-
Pendant lighting by Devol hangs over the island, where Frama stools tuck in neatly.—
Leonora Epstein,
Architectural Digest,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Her fresh braids were laid and neatly tucked under her signature paisley bandana, adorned by gems that reflected the strobe lights.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
18 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Sherri arose in 2022 after Shepherd ably filled in for Wendy Williams at the end of that show’s run.—
Rick Porter,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Marcus Smart, who didn’t take a shot in the first three quarters, ably stepped into an open corner three in the fourth for the first of his seven points down the stretch.—
Dan Woike,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Each dish is expertly paired with a wine chosen by the knowledgeable and charming sommelier, Victor.—
Irenie Forshaw,
TheWeek,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Peptight Tightening Neck Serum Roller is expertly formulated with Lifting Dipeptides.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Competently.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/competently. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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