ability

noun

ə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce ability (audio)
Definition of abilitynext
as in capability
the physical or mental power to do something as a result of the accident the once-vigorous athlete lost the ability to walk

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 ability The volume of options can outrun the firm’s ability to commit. — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026 These experts assign ratings after analyzing a company's financials and ability to consistently pay dividends while also seeking capital appreciation. — Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026 It was also highlighted that the particularly noteworthy is Skymaster’s ability to combine active and passive radar sensors with electro-optical sensors into a comprehensive air picture within the air defense network. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026 There’s growing evidence that devices not only hurt test scores but children’s ability to think. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ability
  1. capability
  2. capacity
  3. faculty
  4. skill
  5. talent
  6. aptitude
Noun
  • Though the Roman telescope is often compared to Hubble, which launched in 1990 and has captured some of the most dramatic and memorable views of the cosmos, Roman’s capabilities far outpace its predecessor’s.
    — Denise Chow, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The modernization expanded advanced manufacturing across the company’s Indianapolis campus and added full engine-test capabilities, including new ground-test facilities and an altitude test facility in West Lafayette.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of capability
Noun
  • Goldman’s model assumes SMIC will add between 30,000 and 50,000 advanced-node wafers in monthly capacity each year from 2026 through 2031.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Furthermore, relationships themselves teach basic psychological capacities such as regulating emotions, tolerating disappointment, and negotiating differences—skills which therapy is supposed to cultivate.
    — David H. Rosmarin, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of capacity
Noun
  • Scott and Dylan walked away from faculty members and the video production crew and and Scott allegedly assaulted her in a janitor’s closet.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The school is now putting AI versions of its faculty to work in a $699 online startup bootcamp, where aspiring founders can rehearse investor pitches, sales calls, and board meetings—all with AI clones of Harvard instructors.
    — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of faculty
Noun
  • The partnership is also framed as a skills exchange, giving Indonesian creative talent exposure to ReelShort’s production pipeline.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The company has had a decades-long presence in the country and invested billions in AI infrastructure and related skills training in Brazil, the leading economy in Latin America.
    — Charlotte Hu, Time, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of skill
Noun
  • The studio has released seven titles that have won 10 Emmy Awards and two Annie Awards, with voice talent including Glenn Close, Jennifer Hudson, Ethan Hawke, John Legend, Lupita Nyong’o, Daisy Ridley and Oprah Winfrey.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Everyone from Sabrina Carpenter to Taylor Swift to Barack Obama has honored Parton, calling out her talent, her kindness, and her sense of giving.
    — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of talent
Noun
  • This position — especially once assistant head coach Frank Smith arrived — requires immense mental aptitude.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • How could King draw with such aptitude and still struggle to talk?
    — Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of aptitude

Browse Nearby Words

abilities
ability
a bit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ability. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ability

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ability

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