PROFESSIONAL Synonyms: 208 Similar and Opposite Words

professional 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of professional

as in technical

having or showing trained ability in a particular field of knowledge Many of the applicants lacked the professional experience the job required. She had always dreamed of becoming a professional boxer.

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Dissimilar Words

as in civil

in a serious and polite manner She found his presentation informative and his delivery quite professional. Employees were expected to act in a professional manner when dealing with potential customers.

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Dissimilar Words

professional

2 of 2

noun

as in specialist

a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field If you want the job done right, you really should hire a professional.

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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 professional

Adjective

Your fame, commercial success and professional standing do not entitle you to special treatment. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 26 Oct. 2026 In a professional services firm, any mention of equity often brings to mind a purely financial context. — Tim Brackney, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Noun

Hospitality workers are already some of the least insured professionals. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 More news The feds allege $2 billion in California healthcare fraud; 15 defendants have been charged, including six medical professionals. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for professional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for professional

Adjective

Some services offer custom removals, but legal restrictions and technical limitations can prevent certain information from being deleted.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Karl Mayer previews new knitting machinery in China Karl Mayer will demonstrate new machinery for apparel, footwear and technical textiles at its Changzhou, China, facility during ITMA Asia 2026.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of technical

Adjective

Widespread civil unrest over teacher shortages and economic hardship escalated across France over the weekend as rioters clashed with police and stormed public buildings.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026
Background checks must now encompass any pending or settled civil cases.

— Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of civil

Noun

Advanced care specialists at the zoo are able to capture data about kangaroo development through voluntary pouch checks, the zoo said.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
But even the most sophisticated diagnostic tools cannot improve outcomes if patients cannot access the specialists and health care systems equipped to use them.

— Bruce Bebo, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of specialist

Adjective

The Chiefs have beaten a Denver Broncos team that was still finding its footing, the 2-4 Indianapolis Colts, the winless Miami Dolphins, a respectable Raiders squad and the 0-6 Chargers.

— Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026
For 26 years, Ecuador has remained immune from the plague of a currency crisis and has sustained respectable economic growth, low inflation, and surging exports.

— Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of respectable

Noun

Deputy Public Works Director Jared Deck said county staff and outside consultants reviewed Biochar Now’s financial records, sales receipts and ongoing sales agreements to assess the company’s ability to operate the facility.

— Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026
If Republicans lose big next month, there’ll be a brawl to assign blame — which consultants blew it, which ads wasted money, which issues didn’t work.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of consultant

Adjective

The company enters a specialized market with a domestic supply problem.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
The trade association acknowledged Children’s Mercy’s importance in providing specialized pediatric care, but said ACA coverage must remain financially sustainable across Missouri’s health care system.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of specialized

Adjective

This has been a businesslike locker room at both the facility and postgame on the road.

— Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026
With its low heel, rounded toe, and high vamp—plus its vibrant bubblegum hue—the shoe offered a touch of ’80s glam to her otherwise businesslike look.

— Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of businesslike

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Style

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

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Synonyms of professional

adjective

noun

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