as in ability
the physical or mental power to do something
questioned his competence to finish the task without help
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Washington’s failings extend across administrations for a reason: American officials, Democrats and Republicans alike, have not taken China’s competence seriously.
—
Dan Wang, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
In every case, our standard is simple: the highest professional competence and integrity.
—Muhammad U. Faridi, New York Daily News, 17 Aug. 2025
Their word choices and tone convey both confidence and competence.
—Melody Wilding, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025
This vision must draw on the moral center that has shaped the city’s social infrastructure and embrace principles of dignity, safety, innovation, and, above all, competence.
—Y. David Scharf, New York Daily News, 17 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for competence
Dan Wang, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
In every case, our standard is simple: the highest professional competence and integrity.
—Muhammad U. Faridi, New York Daily News, 17 Aug. 2025
Their word choices and tone convey both confidence and competence.
—Melody Wilding, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025
This vision must draw on the moral center that has shaped the city’s social infrastructure and embrace principles of dignity, safety, innovation, and, above all, competence.
—Y. David Scharf, New York Daily News, 17 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for competence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for competence
Noun
-
Indiana Code provides a defendant the ability to file a motion to dismiss the case on SLAPP grounds.—
Cate Charron,
IndyStar,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Mark Rose, a former National Park Service employee, said fire service officials weren't realistic about their ability to control the fire and then tried to cover themselves.—
Stephanie Murray,
AZCentral.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The automaker has slowed production and delayed capacity expansions at factories in China, Reuters reported in June.—
Qiaoyi Li,
USA Today,
30 Aug. 2025
-
Google will also lower battery capacity dynamically as the cell ages, which may be frustrating, but at least there won't be any sudden nasty surprises down the road.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The Awol Vision projector also boasts a high contrast ratio, weighs a bit less than many 4K projectors, and has built-in 3D capability.—
Clint Davis,
People.com,
23 Aug. 2025
-
Connect digital and physical journeys, and build data capabilities for real-time decisions on content, pricing, inventory, and experience.—
Jill Standish,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
While there are distinctions between leadership and management competencies, each role and its associated actions complement the other.—
Mark LaSota,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
-
If an appeal isn't filed or the U.S. Supreme Court does not overturn the lower court's decision, Menzies will need to undergo a new competency evaluation.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
30 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Competence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/competence. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share