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 Philadelphia is now entering a stretch of games that will demand competence (and preferably excellence) from the offense. — Andy Behrens, New York Times, 2 Oct. 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 And indeed Verity — directed with straightforward competence and a faint wry smirk by Michael Showalter and adapted by screenwriter Nick Antosca (Apple TV’s Cape Fear series) — is a mild lark for its first hour. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026 You may be tempted to keep performing competence because people have grown used to relying on you. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for competence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for competence

Noun

By increasing its manufacturing capacity, the company aims to strengthen its ability to deliver advanced systems to customers.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
Who knows if SpaceX will win the war, but with the amount of spectrum being bought by Musk and his ability to access capital, Starlink will most likely take share from Charter and Comcast first, and then AT & T and Verizon next.

— Jim Cramer, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of ability

Noun

The additional site will further strengthen the company’s manufacturing network in Colorado and provide additional capacity for its growing space and sensor systems business.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
The massive 5,942-lb (2,695 kg) weight is somewhat disguised by a system that swaps traditional mechanical anti-roll bars for triple-stage adjustable air springs linked to a high-capacity central hydraulic pressure reservoir.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of capacity

Noun

Each ship comes with 16 missile launch cells, a Lockheed Martin SPY-7 radar, an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter, and other cutting-edge missile defense capabilities.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Nevertheless, for investors willing to develop that capability, international sourcing can create access to businesses that domestic-only buyers overlook.

— Chris Russo, Sportico.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of capability

Noun

That, to me, raises the question of how universities should build the human competencies such as deep thinking, analytical reasoning, judgment, and taste.

— Matt vandenBerg, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Choi is open to a kids’ or men’s acquisition, where Top Pick would stick to its core competency in footwear and then license out brand extensions, such as apparel and accessories.

— Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of competency

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competed

competence

competences

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Style

“Competence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/competence. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of competence

noun

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