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

The goal is to establish a school focused on advanced tech breakthroughs, art and architecture, developing technical and visual mastery through studio practice and design labs, and also to help students build both business and tech fluency.

— Sydney Lake, Fortune, 23 July 2026
Eggers writes with passion and precision about each step of Cricket’s progress, from his early tentative efforts to his growing mastery.

— Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026

Definition of mastery

Noun

His long-term vision is for Frosty Frogs to become more than a dessert shop by serving as a place where young people develop confidence, business skills and leadership experience.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
Newly promoted from the Arizona Complex League to Low-A San Jose, the Giants’ two top prospects took turns showing off their defensive skills, eliciting cheers and a gasp of disbelief or two from the crowd at Excite Ballpark Saturday night.

— Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 26 July 2026

Definition of skills

Noun

In my mind, there’s no greater outdoor experience than being in the Okefenokee at dusk and dawn.

— Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
Browning and Eveland developed the educational curriculum that would provide both an understanding and hands-on experience in a friendly environment where questions are encouraged.

— Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 25 July 2026

Definition of experience

Noun

Domain expertise, transparent quality assurance processes and the ability to adapt workflows as requirements change often have a greater impact on long-term model performance than the speed at which labels are initially delivered.

— Lucas Zhao, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
The firm celebrates its 80th birthday this year, and has been bolstered with new talent bringing additional expertise and services to the business.

— David Moin, Footwear News, 27 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

Less than 24 hours before Taillon’s start, pitching coach Tommy Hottovy explained that the right-hander’s home run issues have less to do with pitch sequencing and instead come down to inconsistent command.

— Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026
President of baseball operations David Stearns has prioritized stuff over command and control, but even pitchers who have historically had good control haven’t performed this year.

— Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 26 July 2026

Definition of command

Browse Nearby Words

proficiencies

proficiency

proficient

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“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proficiency. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of proficiency

noun

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