able

adjective

ˈā-bəl How to pronounce able (audio)
Definition of ablenext
as in qualified
having the required skills for an acceptable level of performance looking for an able and reliable assistant

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 able But detectives were able to create a montage from nearby traffic and surveillance cameras that showed both Sellars and Wathrust converging on the spot — Sellars walking and Walthrust driving — where Wathrust was found shot multiple times in his car. — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026 If the district was able to source the diesel directly and get it at a wholesale price, the financial situation could have been a little bit different, Deans said. — Chilekasi Adele, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 Funderburg was able to exploit a sizable physical edge in the season opener, but that won’t always be the case moving forward. — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 Guests will be able to explore ports of call in Mexico, the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Disney Cruise Line’s island destinations, including Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay. — Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for able
Recent Examples of Synonyms for able
  1. qualified
  2. suitable
  3. capable
  4. competent
  5. good
Adjective
  • Winegardner, a Lothian resident who once played professionally on the Hooters Tour for two years and qualified for a Nike Tour event, wants to tap into that thrill of competitive golf.
    — Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Despite recent scrutiny over his past associations and his history as Microsoft's CEO, Gates positions himself as a uniquely qualified messenger due to his tech background and philanthropic focus.
    — John Werner, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of qualified
Adjective
  • Then, the Valkyries head coach changed her lineup to one suitable to switch on every Liberty offensive set.
    — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • For meat to be considered halal and suitable for consumption by Muslims, animals must be healthy and treated humanely before slaughter.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of suitable
Adjective
  • Robert, throughout most of his career, has been capable of that.
    — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • That scoreboard is now misleading, because the same AI wave letting those companies shed jobs is handing thousands of capable people the time and the reason to build something of their own.
    — Lisa Curtis, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of capable
Adjective
  • The world will become tragically, unbearably competent, a surface without a seam.
    — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Schedule outlook The path to another major leap in 2026 is there for FIU, but the Panthers will have to navigate a schedule that features several competent Conference USA opponents.
    — Alejandro Hernandez, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of competent
Adjective
  • Best Amazon End-of-Season Patio Furniture Deals The end-of-season patio furniture deals at Amazon are too good to pass up.
    — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Grichuk put a good swing on a slider while flying out to left field.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of good

Browse Nearby Words

ablaze
able
able-bodied
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Able.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/able. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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