COMPETENCY Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

competency

noun

ˈkäm-pə-tən(t)-sē

Definition of competency

as in ability

the physical or mental power to do something she's proved that she has the competency to run a major company

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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 competency All four entered not guilty pleas to the initial charges and are seeking mental competency evaluations. — Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026 Experts advocate for a radical redesign, urging boards to prioritize genuine governance competencies and continuous impact measurement, moving away from outdated models that hinder vital community services. — Aparna Rae, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Dominguez’s criminal proceedings were suspended for months before that first trial while he was ordered to a state hospital to regain competency to stand trial. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2026 Rankin’s attorney sought a competency evaluation, citing what the attorney described as serious mental health issues. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for competency

Recent Examples of Synonyms for competency

Noun

Minnesota signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2025, and his ability to play numerous positions keeps him on the roster.

— Alec Lewis, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
The volume of options can outrun the firm’s ability to commit.

— Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of ability

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

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

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competencies

competency

competent

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

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Synonyms of competency

noun

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