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
Educational Testing Service, the nonprofit organization that administers the Graduate Record Examination and the TOEFL English-proficiency test, has been holding discussions about selling the exams or bringing in strategic investors, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
—
Anna Esaki-Smith, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
For example, Esteworld employs surgeons with extensive training in complex cases and contemporary techniques, qualities that make these surgeons well-suited to deliver a high degree of technical proficiency in both planning and execution.
—Lyssanoel Frater, Ascend Agency, 28 Jan. 2026
With elite tacticians in England’s top division, a greater proficiency in out-of-possession setups can sometimes see little goalmouth action with both teams cancelling one another out.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
On average, just over half of HISD students in grades 3-8 achieved reading proficiency in 2025, and over 42% did the same in math.
—Bri Hatch, Chalkbeat, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Anna Esaki-Smith, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
For example, Esteworld employs surgeons with extensive training in complex cases and contemporary techniques, qualities that make these surgeons well-suited to deliver a high degree of technical proficiency in both planning and execution.
—Lyssanoel Frater, Ascend Agency, 28 Jan. 2026
With elite tacticians in England’s top division, a greater proficiency in out-of-possession setups can sometimes see little goalmouth action with both teams cancelling one another out.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
On average, just over half of HISD students in grades 3-8 achieved reading proficiency in 2025, and over 42% did the same in math.
—Bri Hatch, Chalkbeat, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficiency
Noun
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His mastery of complex body movements made the ascent look like a ballet act 1,000 feet off the ground.—
Frederick Dreier,
Outside,
27 Jan. 2026
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Based on the cult manga Kokumin Quiz, the series stars Takayuki Yamada as the charismatic host KK, whose mastery of spectacle keeps the nation enthralled as resistance brews beneath the surface.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The college serves an additional 3,253 professional skills training students through workforce development, job training, adult education and other programs.—
Edward McKinnon,
Arkansas Online,
28 Jan. 2026
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South Africa faced a skills shortage and business bankruptcies soared.—
Eve Fairbanks,
The Dial,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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On Saturday, the Riviera Country Club was home to the one-night culinary experience featuring two dozen Michelin chefs hosted by HexClad in partnership with Riviera Country Club benefiting Steadfast LA and ongoing wildfire recovery efforts.—
Michelle Edgar,
Daily News,
27 Jan. 2026
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Neuroscience has long shown that watching another person experience pain activates the same neural regions as experiencing pain ourselves.—
Dev Patnaik,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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And while financial contributions matter, so does giving of one’s time, skills, and expertise—volunteering can be just as powerful as any donation.—
Cat Ward,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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For a whole-hog barbecue challenge, Sam Jones of Sam Jones Barbecue in Raleigh, Lewis Donald of Sweet Lew’s BBQ in Charlotte and the Monk family of Lexington Barbecue in Lexington add expertise to the crew of pitmasters assisting the competitors.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Based on data from Leadership IQ’s What’s Your Leadership Style?—
Mark Murphy,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
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Modern society has fully embraced the label, placing enormous value on intellect and IQ.—
Jasna Hodžić,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Instead of rigid voice commands, AI assistants will understand context, remember preferences, and carry on multi-step dialogues.—
Peter Lyon,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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Such vague commands, the court said, leave agents guessing how to respond during fast-moving protest situations and expose them to possible contempt sanctions.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proficiency. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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