differently abled

Definition of differently ablednext
as in disabled
deprived of the power to perform one or more natural bodily activities won a gold medal in the Paralympics, an international Olympic competition for the differently abled

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 differently abled Holy Angels is a nonprofit organization that employs differently abled individuals and puts the profits from its businesses back into supporting people with disabilities. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2025 For Lamb, meaningful inclusion means building systems that support both the gifted and the differently abled. Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 This is a president who, while campaigning for his first term in office, imitated the arm motions of a New York Times reporter who is differently abled. Megha Satyanarayana, Scientific American, 28 Mar. 2025 Though some employees are differently abled or require more help than others, Alyse said they are held to the same standards — high ones, as is evident to anyone who dines at Freeland’s. Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 2025 Adopting Ash showed Isom, of Houston, Texas, that there are many other cats out there who are differently abled but still deserve to be loved. Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025 Its wellness pool has a ramp for wheelchairs to encourage differently abled to make the most of these soothing waters, which provide relief to tired joints and muscles or nurture sensitive skin. Savannah Romero, Outside Online, 6 Oct. 2023 The nonprofit also glommed onto the fact that technology trials for sortation and other forms of preparation must be a priority because many of its employees are differently abled, meaning that adaptations will need to be made. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for differently abled
Adjective
  • Multiple disabled riders spoke with the panel and complained about inadequate warnings.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
  • After surviving a career-ending stroke, the former officer founded The Wounded Blue, the nation's only nonprofit dedicated exclusively to injured and disabled law enforcement officers.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • This gives drivers more time to react and could potentially prevent up to 80% of non-impaired vehicle crashes in the US alone.
    Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
  • Intense exercise on a sizzling day can lead to extreme fatigue, impaired performance, headache, irritability, nausea, dizziness, cramping and dehydration, all symptoms of exertional heat illness.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Differently abled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/differently%20abled. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster