1
as in qualified
having the required skills for an acceptable level of performance
any competent mechanic should be able to fix that
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in justified
being what is called for by accepted standards of right and wrong
the arbiter has all the necessary information to make a competent decision on the matter
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 competent
Working with competent logistics and shipping partners will give you access to detailed information about compliance and about duties and taxes in each marketplace.
—
Greg Hewitt, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
But its excellent mopping capabilities, competent obstacle avoidance, powerful 8,500-Pa suction and brilliant handling of long hair make this feel much more like a premium option.
—New Atlas, 10 May 2025
He was declared competent to stand trial in January after months at a state hospital.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 8 May 2025
It was created to address the gaps in skin care and help communities of color have better access to culturally competent providers.
—Alexandria Nyembwe, Health, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for competent
Greg Hewitt, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
But its excellent mopping capabilities, competent obstacle avoidance, powerful 8,500-Pa suction and brilliant handling of long hair make this feel much more like a premium option.
—New Atlas, 10 May 2025
He was declared competent to stand trial in January after months at a state hospital.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 8 May 2025
It was created to address the gaps in skin care and help communities of color have better access to culturally competent providers.
—Alexandria Nyembwe, Health, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for competent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for competent
Adjective
-
Only seven qualified American League hitters have a lower one.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
25 May 2025
-
Also, qualified service members can transfer up to 36 months or a portion of their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a spouse or child.—
Crystal Tate,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
The protean hatred of Jews is always justified, and never justifiable.—
Rabbi David Wolpe,
Time,
23 May 2025
-
Your personal life doesn't need to be defended, justified, or sacrificed because someone else's priorities weren't planned for.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
Time for Thorough Searches: Interim appointments allow boards the necessary time to conduct comprehensive searches for suitable permanent leaders.—
Solange Charas,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
-
This work will reveal insights about the quasi-moon and help the team select a suitable sampling site.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
Expect kudos, rewards and deserved acknowledgement!—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
12 May 2025
-
But there is also the fact that Bayern lost their record dominance in the Champions League group stage, and although the club put up a good fight, the exit against Inter Milan was more than deserved.—
Manuel Veth,
Forbes.com,
3 May 2025
Adjective
-
Stress, when left unmanaged, causes even capable professionals to respond impulsively, misinterpret feedback, or withdraw from collaboration, undermining their credibility and advancement opportunities.—
Kara Dennison,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
-
Don’t miss your opportunity to get your hands on a capable productivity machine with enough oomph for productivity and content creation tasks for $380 less.—
Jade Chung-Lee,
PC Magazine,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
A number of legal experts see Trump’s lawsuit as meritless, but the litigation comes as CBS-parent Paramount Global seeks Trump administration approval for its merger with Skydance.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
20 May 2025
-
The result of this lack of effective legal representation can lead to unnecessary jail admissions or prison sentences, which then damage individuals, families and communities through incarceration and lost wages.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
But on March 1, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower issued a proclamation on the proper times.—
Chloe Mayer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 May 2025
-
Cabinet hardware jigs vary slightly in design, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use.—
Kamron Sanders,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Competent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/competent. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share