capable
adjective
ca·pa·ble
ˈkā-pə-bəl 
in rapid speech ˈkāp-bəl
1
: susceptible
a remark capable of being misunderstood
2
obsolete
: comprehensive
3
: having attributes (such as physical or mental power) required for performance or accomplishment
is capable of intense concentration
4
: having traits conducive to or features permitting something
this woman is capable of murder by violence—
Robert Graves
Robert Graves5
: having legal right to own, enjoy, or perform
of my land … to make thee capable—Shakespeare
Shakespeare6
: having or showing general efficiency and ability
a capable lawyer
a capable performance
Examples of capable in a Sentence
a capable and efficient editor
Recent Examples on the Web
For many, this process leads to an enhanced sense of empowerment—feeling more connected to one’s authentic self, and more capable of navigating life’s challenges.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 1 June 2025
China is more capable than any other U.S. adversary.
—Damien Cave, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Darr believes the Raiders, who return five of their top six arms and five starters in the field, are capable of another championship push in ’26.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 31 May 2025
With their extremely strong magnetic fields, these neutron stars – small, dense collapsed cores of supergiant stars – are capable of producing the powerful bursts of energy that have been observed for years.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for capable
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Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 1 June 2025
China is more capable than any other U.S. adversary.
—Damien Cave, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Darr believes the Raiders, who return five of their top six arms and five starters in the field, are capable of another championship push in ’26.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 31 May 2025
With their extremely strong magnetic fields, these neutron stars – small, dense collapsed cores of supergiant stars – are capable of producing the powerful bursts of energy that have been observed for years.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for capable
Cite this Entry
“Capable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capable. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
capable
adjective
ca·pa·ble
ˈkā-pə-bəl
1
: having the qualities (as physical or mental power) to do or accomplish something
you are capable of better work
2
: having qualities or features permitting
a new train capable of very high speeds
3
: able to do one's job well : generally efficient
tries to hire capable people
capability
noun
ˌkā-pə-ˈbil-ət-ē
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