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 Smith said after the dogs' proficiency as workers was recognized, breeders brought them across the Atlantic to develop them further in England, as the Earl of Malmesbury sought to mold them into hunters in the 1800s . — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 24 July 2026 Since then, about 26,000 drivers have been pulled off the road for failing to demonstrate English proficiency, and the Transportation Department said 30,000 commercial licenses were canceled because they were issued illegally. — Josh Funk, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026 With models’ growing proficiency in biology comes their expanding potential for misuse, such as by assisting in the design or weaponization of enhanced viruses. — Doni Bloomfield, STAT, 21 July 2026 The district cited students’ declining math and English language arts proficiency and a drop-off in the number of graduates attending college — despite Oakland Unified Office of Charter Schools staff recommending renewal. — Molly Gibbs, Mercury News, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for proficiency

Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficiency

Noun

Individuals often inadvertently sabotage their own careers, mistaking these behaviors for responsibility or mastery.

— Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Even in this elite group, Zaks’ mastery of the temporal and spatial dimensions of electronic composition makes his work stand out.

— H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 27 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 the afternoon, book a spot at one of Copenhagen’s many hot tub experiences; some favorites include Hottub Copenhagen and CopenHot, the biggest outdoor spa in Denmark.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
The experience reinforced her belief that the profession itself was never the problem.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 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

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proficiencies

proficiency

proficient

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“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proficiency. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of proficiency

noun

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