1
as in technical
having or showing trained ability in a particular field of knowledge
Many of the applicants lacked the professional experience the job required. She had always dreamed of becoming a professional boxer.
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2
as in civil
in a serious and polite manner
She found his presentation informative and his delivery quite professional. Employees were expected to act in a professional manner when dealing with potential customers.
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as in specialist
a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field
If you want the job done right, you really should hire a professional.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of professional
Julia Teti, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
It is not intended as legal, financial, or professional advice.
—Rhiannon Frater, USA Today, 30 June 2025
Jp Shaffer, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
Building on this commitment to consistent image quality across lighting environments, a major result of LG’s collaboration with Hollywood professionals is Ambient Light Compensation, designed to enhance filmmaker-mode accuracy.
—Bae Dongmi, Variety, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for professional
Adjective
Highlights from the 23-year-old professional tennis player’s career thus far include a semifinal match at the 2024 Wimbledon tennis tournament and a recent semi-final at the 2025 French Open, against eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz of Spain.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
It is not intended as legal, financial, or professional advice.
—Rhiannon Frater, USA Today, 30 June 2025
Noun
Active & trendy neighborhoods for young professionals Miami can deliver both round-the-clock dynamic energy and low-maintenance living, as well as easy access to both work and play.
—Jp Shaffer, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
Building on this commitment to consistent image quality across lighting environments, a major result of LG’s collaboration with Hollywood professionals is Ambient Light Compensation, designed to enhance filmmaker-mode accuracy.
—Bae Dongmi, Variety, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for professional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for professional
Adjective
-
While livestreams are traditionally hosted by humans in studios, MSMEs may lack the funds or technical know-how to execute regular livestreams to boost sales.—
Bernice Ooi,
CNBC,
26 June 2025
-
However, small businesses hesitate to seize the opportunity due to factors like limited finances, technical deficits, and lack of expertise.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
26 June 2025
Adjective
-
Smollett reached a civil settlement with the city of Chicago earlier this year, according to NBC News.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
23 June 2025
-
The actor reached a civil settlement with the city of Chicago earlier this year.—
Elizabeth Ayoola,
Essence,
23 June 2025
Noun
-
As part of the five-year, $90 million contract signed by the 3-point specialist in the 2021 offseason, Robinson negotiated the right to terminate his contract ahead of the $20 million salary deadline on the final year, with that deadline at 5 p.m. Sunday.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
29 June 2025
-
Research like this is indicative of a changing mindset, says Alessandro Isola, product manager at luxury travel specialist Abercrombie and Kent USA.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
Witnessing Jasper's rapid ascent underscored the transformative potential of AI in specialized sectors.—
Geoff Whitmore,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
On June 17, the administration instructed the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to end its specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth within the next month.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
There’s no denying that the second-generation Pontiac Firebird Trans Am muscle car tipped the scale toward kitsch, adding flares, spoilers, and a set of cringeworthy decals—available as of 1973 as a $55 option—to an otherwise respectable design.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
27 June 2025
-
Zeller was taken ahead of the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Steven Adams, a pair of big men who’ve had more than respectable careers.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
24 June 2025
Noun
-
Alana starred in 2021’s Licorice Pizza, Este served as a music consultant for the second season of HBO’s The White Lotus, and Danielle continued to collaborate outside of the group with artists including Bon Iver.—
Taylor Mims,
Billboard,
23 June 2025
-
Bass, 44, a pilot and airline consultant, gradually improved the delivery schedules, and Federal began to come out of its tailspin.—
Chase Peterson-Withorn,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
Sallis enters the professional ranks as a skilled guard with a smooth mid-range game, defensive versatility, room to grow as a shooter and playmaker and potential to develop in an NBA organization.—
Shane Connuck,
Charlotte Observer,
27 June 2025
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Medicaid also funds the majority of long-term care for seniors in skilled nursing facilities.—
Pia Valvassori,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
The five two-tone color options—the boring, businesslike black and gray, plus purple-and-gray lavender, pink-and-baby-blue bubblegum, and the green sage options—are the most fun thing about it, and the lavender and bubblegum colors are particularly eye-catching.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
18 June 2025
-
In the past, it’s been a little bit more businesslike.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Professional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/professional. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
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