capable

adjective

ca·​pa·​ble ˈkā-pə-bəl How to pronounce capable (audio)
in rapid speech ˈkāp-bəl
Synonyms of capable
1
: susceptible
a remark capable of being misunderstood
2
obsolete : comprehensive
3
: having attributes (such as physical or mental power) required for performance or accomplishment
is capable of intense concentration
4
: having traits conducive to or features permitting something
This woman is capable of murder by violence …—Robert Graves
5
: having legal right to own, enjoy, or perform
… of my land … I'll work the means / To make thee capable.—William Shakespeare
6
: having or showing general efficiency and ability
a capable lawyer
a capable performance
capableness
ˈkā-pə-bəl-nəs How to pronounce capable (audio)
noun
capably
ˈkā-pə-blē How to pronounce capable (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of capable

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Examples of capable in a Sentence

a capable and efficient editor
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
It is intended to provide Kadena with a more capable and adaptable combat aircraft while sustaining the base’s ability to generate ready airpower in a strategically important region. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026 We’ve been told that Juliette is a once-in-a-generation leader, capable of pushing a rebellion further than it’s ever gone before. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026 Efforts elsewhere to build similarly capable ships have proved costly and difficult. — Holmes Liao, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026 While most of us are capable of lifting weights or heading outside for a brisk walk each day, not everyone is so fortunate, leading researchers to consider other ways to encourage muscles to produce plenty of hormones. — Mike McRae 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for capable

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French capable, from Late Latin capabilis, irregular from Latin capere to take — more at heave entry 1

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of capable was in 1579

Rhymes for capable

See All Rhymes for capable

Browse Nearby Words

capability
capable
capable de tout
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Cite this Entry

“Capable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capable. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

capable

adjective
ca·​pa·​ble ˈkā-pə-bəl How to pronounce capable (audio)
1
: having the qualities (as physical or mental power) to do or accomplish something
you are capable of better work
2
: having qualities or features permitting
a new train capable of very high speeds
3
: able to do one's job well : generally efficient
tries to hire capable people
capability
ˌkā-pə-ˈbil-ət-ē
noun
capably
ˈkā-pə-blē How to pronounce capable (audio)
adverb
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