PROFICIENCY Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

proficiency

noun

prə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē

Definition of proficiency

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

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

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 proficiency Under their plan, students would need to demonstrate proficiency in interpreting data and navigating complex real-world documents as well as purely academic tasks like solving quadratic equations. — Tim Knowles, Fortune, 8 July 2026 For both pre-K-3 and pre-K-4 programs at public schools, families must meet qualifying criteria based on income, military status, English proficiency and more. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026 The test scores refer to state English and math proficiency rates among special education students. — Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for proficiency

Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficiency

Noun

All kinds of bakers Professional, beginner, at-home bakers, and more —all levels of mastery were welcome to participate.

— Zuri Primos July 16, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026
Guichon, whose creations combine classic French culinary mastery and showmanship, was named the world’s most creative pastry chef by La Liste, the prestigious guide for restaurants, hotels and pastry shops.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 13 July 2026

Definition of mastery

Noun

Municipal policing requires a level of training in patrol skills and enforcement techniques that differs substantially from the training provided to federal ICE Agents.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 July 2026
The program focused on building the skills needed to handle ordnance while following a much shorter timeline than the traditional nine-month qualification course.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026

Definition of skills

Noun

Steinbach is essentially a walking double-double and should only improve with more confidence and experience.

— Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
While technical climbing experience isn’t mandatory to reach the summit, the mountain is also not to be trifled with.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026

Definition of experience

Noun

Typically, during outbreaks like this one, CDC staffers from throughout the agency with different expertise would have been pulled in to help during the surge.

— Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
The partnership fuses ZeroAvia’s cutting-edge aerospace fuel cell expertise with Safran’s deep roots in propulsion, electrification, and fuel cell testing.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 July 2026

Definition of expertise

Noun

Potentially one of the top prospects in America regardless of position, Moore is a five-tool prospect — size, length, speed, body control and football IQ.

— Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 22 July 2026
The story is a Garmin user spotted a reference and thumbnail image of the Garmin Cirqa tracker in the Connect IQ phone app, on an in-app compatibility list.

— Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of IQ

Noun

Despite spotty command and tons of early traffic on the bases, Gray held the Tampa Bay Rays at bay and helped deliver the Red Sox their 13th straight win.

— Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 19 July 2026
Early in the war, an Iranian drone strike on a command center in Kuwait killed six soldiers.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 July 2026

Definition of command

Browse Nearby Words

proficiencies

proficiency

proficient

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Style

“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proficiency. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of proficiency

noun

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