1
as in mastery
a highly developed skill in or knowledge of something
surprised by his proficiency at the game after only the briefest explanation of the rules
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in skills
knowledge gained by actually doing or living through something
acquired proficiency at golf through long hours of practice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of proficiency
The Department of Transportation’s policies have been focused primarily on enforcing English language proficiency among truck drivers and closing commercial driver’s license (CDL) schools if their training and safety standards aren’t up to speed.
—
Glenn Taylor,
Footwear News,
29 June 2026
Broward was down slightly for geometry tests, from 60% proficiency to 59%, while scores in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach County were both up.
—
Scott Travis,
Sun Sentinel,
29 June 2026
Kids also take digital standardized exams that adapt questions to test-takers’ proficiency levels in real-time.
—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
27 June 2026
The case that the justices decided not to take up was brought by the immigrant advocacy group Arkansas United, which has provided Spanish-language interpreters at polling sites to assist voters with limited English proficiency.
—
Hansi Lo Wang,
NPR,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Glenn Taylor,
Footwear News,
29 June 2026
Broward was down slightly for geometry tests, from 60% proficiency to 59%, while scores in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach County were both up.
—
Scott Travis,
Sun Sentinel,
29 June 2026
Kids also take digital standardized exams that adapt questions to test-takers’ proficiency levels in real-time.
—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
27 June 2026
The case that the justices decided not to take up was brought by the immigrant advocacy group Arkansas United, which has provided Spanish-language interpreters at polling sites to assist voters with limited English proficiency.
—
Hansi Lo Wang,
NPR,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficiency
Noun
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To watch Kane now is to feel in the presence of mastery.
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The article suggests that true mastery comes not from avoiding mistakes, but from operating at the edge of one's capacity, much like in demanding vocations such as sports or diving.
Noun
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Modern leadership increasingly demands physical fitness beyond traditional executive skills like strategic vision and emotional intelligence.
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Parents are looking for activities that do more than fill the hours, and a good cooking class can hand a child real skills, real confidence and a few recipes worth making again at home.
Noun
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For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.
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With an experience like that under her belt, would an Oscar really be that big of a deal?
Noun
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The values imparted to me throughout my public school education — equal opportunity, impartial justice, respect for expertise, basic honesty — have been abandoned by a new breed of politician that has turned governance itself into a blood sport.
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But Swisher, who has evolved from a traditional print journalist to business owner and podcast host, has few rivals who can match her technology expertise and connect those observations to the broader political debate.
Noun
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Karaban said the most underrated part of his game is his basketball IQ.
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When psychologists talk about exceptional intelligence, the conversation almost always gravitates toward IQ.
Noun
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What those vehicles all need is the command of light.
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However, if your command of the Spanish language is less than lousy or if reading this has inspired you to take your first step inside the Compare Foods Supermarket on Milton Road, here’s the trifecta of non-negotiable dishes to eat.
Cite this Entry
“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proficiency. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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