COMPETENCES Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

competences

noun

plural of competence

as in abilities

the physical or mental power to do something questioned his competence to finish the task without help

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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 competences These parties’ platforms vary, but both point toward repatriating competences to national governments, weakening European Court of Justice jurisdiction, and loosening the common rules that make EU commitments credible to outside partners. — Jonas Nahm, Foreign Affairs, 14 Sep. 2026 Over billions of years, increasingly greater competences evolved. — Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for competences

Noun

Social comparison is the psychological process by which people assess themselves, including their own abilities, opinions, and achievements, in relation to those of others.

— Ashwini Nadkarni, Time, 24 Oct. 2026
For those who don’t want to flex their arithmetic abilities, the Bulls lost this game by 43 points.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of abilities

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
The organization never really tested their ability to demonstrate competencies and skills for the new job, just their ability to manage their previous responsibilities.

— Christina Greenberg, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of competencies

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competence

competences

competencies

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

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Synonyms of competences

noun

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