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
Critics insist that the move unfairly targets Hispanic and other minority groups – and that no data exists to show drivers who lack English proficiency are more dangerous.
—
David Ovalle, NPR, 20 Apr. 2026
The court determined that the trial judge failed to inform his lawyers that some of the jurors raised questions about the English proficiency of one of the panel members and ordered a retrial.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026
It was overturned by an appeals court in February, which ruled that Heaps was denied a fair trial because the judge did not share with his attorneys a note from the court’s foreman sharing concerns about a juror's English proficiency.
—ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026
The income that a proficiency with needle and thread commands relative to the skills needed and the physical toll of bending over detailed work for hours likely discourages teenagers and young adults from heeding Bae’s advice, fashion industry experts said.
—Anne D'innocenzio, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
David Ovalle, NPR, 20 Apr. 2026
The court determined that the trial judge failed to inform his lawyers that some of the jurors raised questions about the English proficiency of one of the panel members and ordered a retrial.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026
It was overturned by an appeals court in February, which ruled that Heaps was denied a fair trial because the judge did not share with his attorneys a note from the court’s foreman sharing concerns about a juror's English proficiency.
—ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026
The income that a proficiency with needle and thread commands relative to the skills needed and the physical toll of bending over detailed work for hours likely discourages teenagers and young adults from heeding Bae’s advice, fashion industry experts said.
—Anne D'innocenzio, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficiency
Noun
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The work shows off Monet’s mastery in capturing light and an environment in constant flux, like the river and its surroundings.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
20 Apr. 2026
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Several roundtable participants argued that deep vertical expertise — an intimate understanding of healthcare operations, for instance — is becoming more valuable than mastery of a horizontal, one-size-fits-all process.—
Michael Jacobides,
Fortune,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The class would enable students to gain specialized skills needed for employment after graduation or for further post-secondary training, a memo from the district said, and would also provide students with opportunities to teach other students in the district’s introductory welding course.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
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But there’s also plenty of beauty in the way Bertelli captures bodies and technology at work, with DP Mauro Chiarello’s razor-sharp images highlighting the incredible skills needed to rise to such feats of excellence.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In Casual mode, players can take their time with unlimited chances to find every change, perfect for a relaxed, low-pressure experience.—
Rachel Jacoby Zoldan,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
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The series first debuted on Prime Video in 2021 and quickly gained a huge following, with viewers charmed by the beautiful scenery and the drama that country living can bring, helped along by Clarkson’s total lack of farming experience.—
K.J. Yossman,
Variety,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Small municipalities typically have neither the expertise nor the funds to adequately secure their infrastructure, leaving them open to intrusion.—
Sue Halpern,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
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As multiple world powers invest heavily in Ukrainian expertise and joint production with the Ukrainian government and private companies, only the Pentagon is holding back.—
Trudy Rubin,
Mercury News,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Lead, a heavy metal once common in products like pipes and paints, is a neurotoxin that can stunt children’s development, lower IQ scores and increase blood pressure in adults, according to the Associated Press.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
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Disneyland filed a building permit with the city of Anaheim in November to remodel the Edelweiss Snacks alpine chalet in the shadow of the Matterhorn Bobsleds and Disneyland Monorail, according to Theme Park IQ.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But their presence in the huddle, their command in the locker room and their ability to steady a team are not traits so easily duplicated.—
Rick Stroud,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Apr. 2026
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Shift toward combat-ready autonomy Comet is equipped with an advanced autonomy system that supports navigation, remote control, and scalable command structures.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proficiency. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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