as in ability
the physical or mental power to do something
questioned his competence to finish the task without help
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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
In the 1970s, psychologists Edward Deci and Richard Ryan developed the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), which argued that humans have three basic psychological needs—competence, autonomy and relatedness.
—
Akin Akinpelu, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
The former president has put the border and immigration, the state of the American economy, and Harris's competence, among other issues, at the forefront of his campaign alongside his Republican running mate, Ohio's Senator J.D. Vance.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024
Paddy Ross, an associate professor at Durham University, conducted a study on 160 people to evaluate the trustworthiness and competence of a videoconference user based on their virtual background.
—thehustle.co, 1 Nov. 2024
Davis stresses that character, knowledge, and competence are three critical elements in leading the team toward success.
—William Mullane, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for competence 
Akin Akinpelu, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
The former president has put the border and immigration, the state of the American economy, and Harris's competence, among other issues, at the forefront of his campaign alongside his Republican running mate, Ohio's Senator J.D. Vance.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024
Paddy Ross, an associate professor at Durham University, conducted a study on 160 people to evaluate the trustworthiness and competence of a videoconference user based on their virtual background.
—thehustle.co, 1 Nov. 2024
Davis stresses that character, knowledge, and competence are three critical elements in leading the team toward success.
—William Mullane, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for competence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for competence
Noun
-
Polis previously supported parents’ ability to opt out of vaccinations — drawing support from anti-vaccine advocates — despite the state’s poor rankings for pediatric immunization.Seth Klamann, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
-
Because privacy laws shield the names of firearm purchasers from public view, the data NSSF obtained gave it a unique ability to identify and contact large numbers of gun owners or shooting sports enthusiasts.Corey G. Johnson, ProPublica, 15 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
Many of us in business recognize the capacity of AI to enhance our work, boost our productivity and drive us to new heights of innovation.Vidya Plainfield, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
-
Uncaged Innovations is scaled up for full roll-to-roll production of Elevate through a partner factory in New York that can produce more than a million square meters of material a year, and has two additional factories lined up to increase capacity.Rhonda Richford, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
The team is currently working on creating an improved coating that can reduce FOG deposits in sewers by enhancing both its self-healing capabilities and mechanical strength.Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2024
-
The new upload capabilities are available on Generative AI by Getty Images and Generative AI by iStock.Kate Irwin, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
Wednesday's hearing fixated on Vallow Daybell's mental competency to stand trial.Karen Bartunek, The Arizona Republic, 21 Nov. 2024
-
The key is to evaluate innovations through the lens of your core competencies and values.Dan Gamble, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near competence
Cite this Entry
“Competence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/competence. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share