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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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 competency He was ordered to undergo evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital to determine his competency to stand trial. — Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 24 July 2026 Two weeks after Henrichsen’s arrest, a county judge ordered a competency evaluation. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026 The pledge calls for at least 40 hours of nutrition training, or an equivalent competency requirement, for students entering this fall. — Lewis S. Nelson, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026 Do the activities encourage time spent interacting with others online, which can help young people develop important skills and competencies? — Gabriel E. Hales, The Conversation, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for competency

Recent Examples of Synonyms for competency

Noun

Iran’s proxies in the region, the Houthis, have since blockaded another strait – the Bab-al-Mandeb – challenging Saudi Arabia’s ability to export oil through that alternate route.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
Both countries are investing heavily in technologies such as enhanced stealth, artificial intelligence, advanced networking, and the ability to operate alongside autonomous drones.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of ability

Noun

Following the consolidation, the production capacity for Inpro’s shower curtains, cubicle curtains and roller shades was expected to increase, the company’s 2024 statement said.

— Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
The 15 regular-season games for each club and the playoffs will be held at Springfield’s Robin Roberts Stadium, a historic ballpark that has a seating capacity of 5,200 and opened in 1925.

— Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of capacity

Noun

Forterra provides the autonomous capabilities that enable distributed, mission-aware, and resilient military operations in contested environments.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026
Wood compared the role of pricing in cloud computing to a restaurant; low costs were the initial draw, but the capabilities that kept customers coming back were the real value.

— Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of capability

Browse Nearby Words

competencies

competency

competent

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Style

“Competency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/competency. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of competency

noun

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