ability

noun

ə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce ability (audio)
Definition of abilitynext
as in capability
the physical or mental power to do something as a result of the accident the once-vigorous athlete lost the ability to walk

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 ability The volume of options can outrun the firm’s ability to commit. — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026 These experts assign ratings after analyzing a company's financials and ability to consistently pay dividends while also seeking capital appreciation. — Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026 It was also highlighted that the particularly noteworthy is Skymaster’s ability to combine active and passive radar sensors with electro-optical sensors into a comprehensive air picture within the air defense network. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026 There’s growing evidence that devices not only hurt test scores but children’s ability to think. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ability
  1. capability
  2. capacity
  3. faculty
  4. skill
  5. talent
  6. aptitude
Noun
  • Though the Roman telescope is often compared to Hubble, which launched in 1990 and has captured some of the most dramatic and memorable views of the cosmos, Roman’s capabilities far outpace its predecessor’s.
    — Denise Chow, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The modernization expanded advanced manufacturing across the company’s Indianapolis campus and added full engine-test capabilities, including new ground-test facilities and an altitude test facility in West Lafayette.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of capability
Noun
  • Goldman’s model assumes SMIC will add between 30,000 and 50,000 advanced-node wafers in monthly capacity each year from 2026 through 2031.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Furthermore, relationships themselves teach basic psychological capacities such as regulating emotions, tolerating disappointment, and negotiating differences—skills which therapy is supposed to cultivate.
    — David H. Rosmarin, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of capacity
Noun
  • The ceremony brought together cadets, faculty, staff and guests and opened with a color guard and pipe and drum procession by members of the NYPD, FDNY and Port Authority Police Department.
    — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The school now offers more than 200 AI courses, such as on AI basics and ethics, for any student or faculty member regardless of their technical knowledge.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of faculty
Noun
  • Bonnell appears to be treating software as another part of the motorcycle's suspension system and something that can be adjusted to suit the rider’s preferences, skill, and terrain.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
  • This may not come as a surprise in a world not only of AI, but widespread access to technology that requires ordinary people to develop typing skills.
    — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of skill
Noun
  • During his seven-year tenure at the agency, Caoduro advised leading international fashion and luxury brands across global communications, media and corporate strategy and talent engagement.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Ultimately, genetics and talent establish the ceiling, but the evidence suggests a supportive sibling ecosystem helps alchemize raw potential into greatness, and the sibling that benefits most is the one that comes later.
    — Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of talent
Noun
  • This position — especially once assistant head coach Frank Smith arrived — requires immense mental aptitude.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • How could King draw with such aptitude and still struggle to talk?
    — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of aptitude

Browse Nearby Words

abilities
ability
a bit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ability. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ability

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ability

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