Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

qualify

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of qualify

1 to limit the meaning of (as a noun)
  • Qualifying the noun "adventure" in the title of your story with a descriptive adjective would make it more attention-grabbing.
Synonyms of qualify

modify
Words Related to qualify

alter, color, distort, misrepresent, misstate, pervert, twist, warp

narrow
Near Antonyms of qualify

broaden, expand, widen
2 to make competent (as by training, skill, or ability) for a particular office or function
  • Her career as a defense attorney has qualified her to be a legal analyst for the news show.
Synonyms of qualify

equip, fit, prepare, ready, season, train
Words Related to qualify

accustom, adapt, adjust, condition, groom, habituate, shape, tailor

authorize, entitle

empower, enable

educate, indoctrinate, instruct, school, teach, tutor
3 to give a right to
  • This coupon qualifies the bearer for an extra 15% off the discounted price.
Synonyms of qualify

authorize, entitle, privilege
Words Related to qualify

empower, enable, enfranchise, license (also licence)

approve, endorse (also indorse)

allow, let, permit

accredit, certificate, certify, ratify

legitimize, sanction, validate, warrant
Near Antonyms of qualify

disable, disempower, disenfranchise

decertify

disallow, forbid, proscribe

delegitimize, invalidate, nullify
Antonyms of qualify

disqualify
4 to give official or legal power to
  • Passing the state bar exam will qualify you to practice law.
Synonyms of qualify

accredit, authorize, certify, commission, empower, enable, invest, license (also licence), vest, warrant
Words Related to qualify

approve, clear, credential, endorse (also indorse), OK (or okay), sanction

affirm, confirm, validate

inaugurate, induct, initiate, install, instate, swear in

allow, let, permit

enfranchise, entitle, privilege
Near Antonyms of qualify

ban, bar, block, constrain, deny, disallow, disbar, discourage, disenfranchise, disfranchise, exclude, hinder, hold back, impede, inhibit, obstruct, prevent, shut out, stop

enjoin, forbid, interdict, outlaw, prohibit, proscribe, veto
Antonyms of qualify

disqualify

Learn More about qualify

  1. See words that rhyme with qualify Dictionary: Definition of qualify Spanish Central: Translation of qualify Nglish: Translation of qualify for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of qualify for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up qualify? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games