ABLE Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

able

adjective

ˈā-bəl

Definition of able

as in qualified

having the required skills for an acceptable level of performance looking for an able and reliable assistant

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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 able The United States, Russia, and China are now all able to harass one another’s satellites in ways that have real consequences. — Jeffrey Lewis, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026 According to Lahey, depriving kids of desirable difficulties results in kids who can’t handle frustration, give up at the first hint of a challenge, and are less able to learn. — Cheryl Maguire, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026 The Ice Dart flips that problem, becoming – according to the team's new paper in IEEE Transactions on Field Robotics – the first drone able to perch on ice that steep and hold its position. — New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026 This is a game that rewards those with short-term memory, able to learn from past mistakes. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for able

Recent Examples of Synonyms for able

Adjective

Winegardner, a Lothian resident who once played professionally on the Hooters Tour for two years and qualified for a Nike Tour event, wants to tap into that thrill of competitive golf.

— Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 28 Aug. 2026
Despite recent scrutiny over his past associations and his history as Microsoft's CEO, Gates positions himself as a uniquely qualified messenger due to his tech background and philanthropic focus.

— John Werner, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of qualified

Adjective

Then, the Valkyries head coach changed her lineup to one suitable to switch on every Liberty offensive set.

— Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026
For meat to be considered halal and suitable for consumption by Muslims, animals must be healthy and treated humanely before slaughter.

— Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of suitable

Adjective

Robert, throughout most of his career, has been capable of that.

— Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
That scoreboard is now misleading, because the same AI wave letting those companies shed jobs is handing thousands of capable people the time and the reason to build something of their own.

— Lisa Curtis, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of capable

Adjective

The world will become tragically, unbearably competent, a surface without a seam.

— Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
Schedule outlook The path to another major leap in 2026 is there for FIU, but the Panthers will have to navigate a schedule that features several competent Conference USA opponents.

— Alejandro Hernandez, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of competent

Browse Nearby Words

ablaze

able

able-bodied

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Articles Related to able

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Style

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

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Synonyms of able

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Are You 'Regretful' or 'Regrettable'?

Is it 'feasible' or is it 'doable'?

'Can' vs. 'May'

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