CAPABLE Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

capable

adjective

ˈkā-pə-bəl

Definition of capable

as in suitable

having the required skills for an acceptable level of performance a capable and efficient editor

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 capable Admirers viewed him as a capable leader who could steer the nation through global uncertainties, an image carefully crafted by the mainstream media. — Jovana Gec, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026 Now, the high school reunion lives in the device in our hands, capable of giving anyone quantitative signals from a vast reference group at any moment on our personalized scoreboards of social approval. — Ashwini Nadkarni, Time, 24 Oct. 2026 Last week, Ukraine ran out of Patriot interceptors – one of the few defensive weapons capable of knocking down a ballistic missile – leaving it far more vulnerable to Russian attacks. — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 As for towing, the trim with the larger battery is capable of towing up to 4,409 lb (2,000 kg). — New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for capable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for capable

Adjective

Last week, Niti Aayog, an Indian government think tank, shared a framework for local governments to evaluate data center projects for sustainability and to provide suitable locations, based on grid readiness and water supply availability.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
Though the park’s activities are suitable for a wide variety of thrill seekers, participants must weigh between 45 and 250 pounds to safely use the park’s gear and be shorter than 6-foot-6.

— Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of suitable

Adjective

American technology therefore qualified for the Commission’s own sovereign cloud requirements through a European operating structure.

— Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Neither Sidney nor Patrick Gibson was qualified to operate it in those conditions.

— Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of qualified

Adjective

Eligible adults were able to receive as much as $1,200 as well as $500 per qualifying child.

— Chad de Guzman, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
If a prescription costs $500 through insurance but $100 through Cost Plus Drugs, patients should be able to take the cheaper route and have that spending count toward their deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.

— Emma Witman, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of able

Browse Nearby Words

capability

capable

capableness

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Capable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capable. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of capable

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

milieu

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes