competence

noun

ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)s How to pronounce competence (audio)
Definition of competencenext
as in ability
the physical or mental power to do something questioned his competence to finish the task without help

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 competence And indeed Verity — directed with straightforward competence and a faint wry smirk by Michael Showalter and adapted by screenwriter Nick Antosca (Apple TV’s Cape Fear series) — is a mild lark for its first hour. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026 Influencing downward means connecting purpose to personal meaning and giving people room to shape implementation—autonomy, competence and relatedness are what drive that kind of motivation. — Andriana Eliadis, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026 You may be tempted to keep performing competence because people have grown used to relying on you. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Sep. 2026 Finally, the case for continuing Republican support remains grounded in voters’ perceptions of Republican competence on the economy, border security and crime. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for competence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for competence
  1. ability
  2. capacity
  3. capability
  4. competency
Noun
  • The ability for anyone to generate strategy, code, or creative work in seconds effectively filled in the moats built on blitzscaling overnight.
    — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • This gives voters the ability to reelect or change the majority of the City Commission every two years.
    — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of ability
Noun
  • But can a single supplier, no matter how competent and experienced, possibly be relied upon to deliver such a critical part of both forces’ future warfighting capacity?
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 18 Oct. 2026
  • High-ambition leaders building a new model of development deserve a high-ambition international financial system with the capacity to enable them to get there.
    — Masood Ahmed, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of capacity
Noun
  • The Pentagon has bet its fighter jet future on Boeing, raising questions about competition, cost, and capability.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The problem, Snegovaya said, is that achieving military autonomy for Europe and Ukraine is extremely difficult in the short term, and Europe has been slow to develop the necessary capabilities.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of capability
Noun
  • NDCs are certificates or licenses that signal that a worker possesses a particular qualification or competency.
    — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The organization never really tested their ability to demonstrate competencies and skills for the new job, just their ability to manage their previous responsibilities.
    — Christina Greenberg, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of competency

Browse Nearby Words

competed
competence
competences
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Cite this Entry

“Competence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/competence. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on competence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about competence

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