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
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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
Under the standards, commercial motor vehicle drivers who fail English proficiency tests will be placed out of service.
—
Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026
But some experts said the holster and its placement – at the individual’s groin area – suggest this person lacks proficiency with firearms.
—Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Math proficiency rose to 23%, continuing a gradual increase.
—Nina Burns, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
His pass-catching proficiency is unmatched.
—Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 12 Feb. 2026
But some experts said the holster and its placement – at the individual’s groin area – suggest this person lacks proficiency with firearms.
—Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Math proficiency rose to 23%, continuing a gradual increase.
—Nina Burns, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
His pass-catching proficiency is unmatched.
—Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficiency
Noun
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Pupping, founder and director of the Encinitas Guitar Orchestra (now in its 23rd season), brings his eclectic mastery of classical, jazz, world music, rock, and pop, honed through studies with members of the legendary Los Romeros Guitar Quartet.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
-
And as many major employers integrate AI into every corner of their organizations, tech mastery has become a candidate prerequisite—not a plus.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Research on attachment consistently shows that children who experience warm, responsive, and predictable caregiving develop stronger emotional regulation and coping skills over time.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Parents,
17 Feb. 2026
-
This rare phenomenon gives him exceptional skills in puzzle-solving, higher math functions and pattern recognition.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The experience was deliberately walkable and social, mirroring the rhythm of neighborhood festivals rather than retail pop-ups.—
Yiling Pan,
Vogue,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Consistent with the rest of the hotel, the local landscape is incorporated into the design experience; there are local gems displayed in the waiting area, and the lobby has a giant window that frames a peak of the nearby Shawangunk Mountains that took my breath away.—
Katie Mathews,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But by pairing it with domain expertise in archaeology and a creative research question, the team repurposed the technology to extract meaning from an object that had resisted interpretation.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Tony Leung Ka-fai, known for his versatility across genres rather than martial arts expertise, brought different strengths to the production.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Without the correct attributes — competitiveness, mindset, IQ, internal drive — Donovan fears a young player could flounder in Chicago.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
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Stupidity is not tied to IQ — as dumbness is — or the ability to assess risks — as being foolish is.—
Jonny Thomson,
Big Think,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This malware allows attackers to spy on systems, run commands, change system settings, add more malware and maintain long-term access.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
16 Feb. 2026
-
In that role, Eisenhower promoted the foundational goals of the now-historic alliance and developed its first command structure.—
Michael Peregrine,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proficiency. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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