as in ability
the physical or mental power to do something
questioned his competence to finish the task without help
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of competence
The trouble is, the frenetic pace at which the Trump administration is trying to remake the vast federal government into its own image is showing early cracks, particularly in the area of competence.
—
Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 2 Feb. 2025
True competence comes from continually learning and honing skills, not from positive evaluations from others.
—Allie Volpe, Vox, 5 Feb. 2025
The few flashes of competence were furnished by Vasa Micic (15 points, six assists) and Miles Bridges (23 points on 21 shots).
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2025
Pete Hegseth was narrowly confirmed as defense secretary amid swirling questions about his competence and character, and despite .
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for competence
Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 2 Feb. 2025
True competence comes from continually learning and honing skills, not from positive evaluations from others.
—Allie Volpe, Vox, 5 Feb. 2025
The few flashes of competence were furnished by Vasa Micic (15 points, six assists) and Miles Bridges (23 points on 21 shots).
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2025
Pete Hegseth was narrowly confirmed as defense secretary amid swirling questions about his competence and character, and despite .
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for competence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for competence
Noun
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While moving Chisolm back to second would seem to be an improvement, the problem is not as much his fielding ability as his availability.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
17 Feb. 2025
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Rolf and Inge no longer have the ability to manage their country house.—
Alissa Simon,
Variety,
16 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Companies with a stronger balance sheet and cash piles also have the capacity to buy out firms in a weaker position as a form of investment, said Lah.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
19 Feb. 2025
-
But this turns out to be one of the most hectic and trying of shifts: The surgical ward is at capacity, the nursing crew understaffed, and an emergency operation claims the attention of an on-call doctor.—
Sheri Linden,
The Hollywood Reporter,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The array should be able to bounce laser light back at any orbiting or incoming spacecraft – a vital capability that will provide a permanent reference point on the lunar surface.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA TODAY,
25 Feb. 2025
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Leap provides location sourcing, store design, construction, staffing, management and marketing support along with Simon, as well as technology capabilities that help with the store operations.—
David Moin,
WWD,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
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O'Kelley mentioned intellectual curiosity, a willingness to adapt and a willingness to take on the unexpected as new criteria to consider beyond competency and accomplishments for CEOs or other senior leaders.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
19 Feb. 2025
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While vision and courage are, respectively, above and below purpose, competency, integrity, intimacy, and passion surround it.—
Ethan Stone,
USA TODAY,
13 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Competence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/competence. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
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