COMPETENCE Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

competence

noun

ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)s

Definition of competence

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

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 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 Personal updates are shaped to signal competence, success, or moral clarity. — Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026 Sullivan exudes an air of competence and confidence that leave me encouraged. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for competence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for competence

Noun

So far, Siemens has managed to persuade companies to share their data in return for access to its AI model and the ability to request new use cases.

— Sam Forsdick, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
If future laws change to allow recognition of AI agents and/or their human creators as discoverers (with or without human collaborators), how might this affect accountability, ownership, and the ability to profit from discoveries?

— Jeffrey S. Flier, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of ability

Noun

We’ve been told that Ultraviolette is preparing for considerably greater production volumes for now, with the company having announced plans for a new manufacturing facility in India with an eventual capacity of up to 500,000 bikes a year.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Oct. 2026
No, the dunks and 3s and assists didn't count in any official capacity.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of capacity

Noun

The island has hosted a Ground Self-Defense Force garrison since 2016, while Tokyo has plans to add additional air-defense capabilities in the coming years.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
The South Korean military, which often accuses North Korea of exaggerating its military capabilities, did not immediately comment on Kim's claims.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of capability

Noun

Building curriculum in partnership with employers that blends technical training with the workplace habits and human competencies that define on-the-job success is part of what makes these pathways work.

— Philip Weinberg, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026
The company made a hard pivot away from its core competency - oil and gas.

— Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of competency

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competed

competence

competences

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

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Synonyms of competence

noun

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