COMPETENT Synonyms: 111 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'competent' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of competent are adequate , enough , and sufficient . While all these words mean "being what is necessary or desirable," competent suggests measuring up to all requirements without question or being adequately adapted to an end. // had no competent notion of what was going on

Q: When could 'adequate' be used to replace 'competent'?

The words adequate and competent can be used in similar contexts, but adequate may imply barely meeting a requirement. // the service was adequate

Q: How are the words 'enough' and 'sufficient' related as synonyms of 'competent'?

Enough is less exact in suggestion than sufficient . // do you have enough food?

Q: When is 'sufficient' a more appropriate choice than 'competent'?

The meanings of sufficient and competent largely overlap; however, sufficient suggests a close meeting of a need. // sufficient savings

competent

adjective

ˈkäm-pə-tənt

Definition of competent next

as in qualified

having the required skills for an acceptable level of performance any competent mechanic should be able to fix that

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in justified

being what is called for by accepted standards of right and wrong the arbiter has all the necessary information to make a competent decision on the matter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective competent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of competent are adequate, enough, and sufficient. While all these words mean "being what is necessary or desirable," competent suggests measuring up to all requirements without question or being adequately adapted to an end.

had no competent notion of what was going on

When could adequate be used to replace competent?

The words adequate and competent can be used in similar contexts, but adequate may imply barely meeting a requirement.

the service was adequate

How are the words enough and sufficient related as synonyms of competent?

Enough is less exact in suggestion than sufficient.

do you have enough food?

When is sufficient a more appropriate choice than competent?

The meanings of sufficient and competent largely overlap; however, sufficient suggests a close meeting of a need.

sufficient savings

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 competent Between the lines: The Stad Center's blend of Eastern and Western medicine also caters to San Francisco's large Asian American population, who often lack access to culturally competent care. —

Shawna Chen, Axios, 31 Jan. 2025 The possibilities: The Dolphins have needs everywhere on the roster, but finding, keeping and developing four competent, efficient, reliable, durable cornerbacks should be atop the team’s priority list because of how much the NFL has developed into a passing league. —

Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025 She was initially set to be tried alongside two others with ties to the group but was deemed not competent for trial by evaluators for both the defense and prosecution. —

Ella Lee, The Hill, 17 Jan. 2025 People in court accused of crimes are presumed, under the law, to be competent to stand trial unless shown otherwise. —

Kallie Cox, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for competent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for competent

Adjective

Most are highly qualified, with years of experience.

— Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 17 Feb. 2025
The same rate of 21 cents per mile applies for specific moving purposes for qualified active-duty members of the Armed Forces.

— Susan Tompor, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025