able

adjective

ˈā-bəl How to pronounce able (audio)
Definition of ablenext
as in qualified
having the required skills for an acceptable level of performance looking for an able and reliable assistant

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 able In addition to being able to play many games from the Meta Store, it can also be connected to a gaming PC to play VR games like Half-Life Alyx. — Cameron Faulkner, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026 Spasojevic hopes to be able to gain a clearer answer by comparing DNA samples from local donkeys to DNA collected from populations elsewhere. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026 One man was able to wrench the doors open and allow everyone inside to escape into the waist-high floodwaters in their parking garage, surveillance video showed. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026 Culture change becomes possible when leaders are willing to look beyond intention, teams are able to share their experiences safely and both participate in turning what is revealed into meaningful action. — Gwen Mdinaradze, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for able
Recent Examples of Synonyms for able
  1. qualified
  2. suitable
  3. capable
  4. competent
  5. good
Adjective
  • Voters will decide races and statewide ballot measures, with 14 measures currently qualified for the November ballot.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Pike, who, at 18, qualified for capital punishment, was sentenced to death.
    — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of qualified
Adjective
  • With efficacy and affordability top of mind, Skin Union’s product boast ph-balancing, and filler-free formulas suitable for all skin types, and all under $30.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2026
  • In the other case, officials couldn’t find a suitable vein for an IV line, so the drugs weren’t administered.
    — Kim Chandler, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of suitable
Adjective
  • Instead of using a conventional crane capable of reaching the top of the tower, the company used a telescoping tower design.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The models have become much more capable; the pace of improvement from model to model is faster; and the stakes are much higher.
    — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of capable
Adjective
  • Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, 36, of Florida was deemed mentally competent by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Maria Cavalluzzi, meaning the criminal case can proceed after a competency evaluation delayed it for more than four months.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
  • In a room full of fascists and fools, Ahmed’s projection of competence—and of the spluttering exasperation that is the lot of the competent—proves a genuine balm.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of competent
Adjective
  • Lucy’s constant sense of invention sometimes falters under the album’s new, megawatt spotlight, lacking the enticing mystery that gives their best music its power.
    — H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Among those surveyed, Latinos who didn’t vote in 2024 were more likely than those who had voted to have economic frustrations, like struggling to earn enough money or find a good job.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of good

Browse Nearby Words

ablaze
able
able-bodied
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Able.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/able. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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