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
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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
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Recent Examples of competent
No competent statistician would add the genetic and environmental factors, because the interactions among them make such an addition invalid.
—
Jessica Riskin, The New York Review of Books, 3 Apr. 2025
As for next year, a lot's on the players, but there's just as much riding on what our dubiously competent GM does over the summer.
—Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
But the film has no time for matinee idols or Hollywood heroism, casting them as highly competent cogs in a machine that prizes teamwork over individual valor.
—Thomas Page, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
Skilled workers who lack the right political connections leave the country, and competent firms go under.
—Elizabeth David-Barrett, Foreign Affairs, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for competent
Jessica Riskin, The New York Review of Books, 3 Apr. 2025
As for next year, a lot's on the players, but there's just as much riding on what our dubiously competent GM does over the summer.
—Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
But the film has no time for matinee idols or Hollywood heroism, casting them as highly competent cogs in a machine that prizes teamwork over individual valor.
—Thomas Page, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
Skilled workers who lack the right political connections leave the country, and competent firms go under.
—Elizabeth David-Barrett, Foreign Affairs, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for competent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for competent
Adjective
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Despite being just as qualified as their male counterparts, women are significantly less likely to compete at work—whether that means applying for executive roles, asking for promotions, or negotiating higher pay.—
Maggie McGrath,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
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The United States thrives on innovation, diversity, and qualified people to advance its economic engine.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Physicians and hospitals say their fees are justified, reflecting the true price of medical care.—
T. Christian Miller,
ProPublica,
12 Apr. 2025
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Deadheads who bought tickets for an entire weekend’s worth of shows are no doubt feeling more justified in that decision, given how there will likely be unique visual content across all three nights at this point, in addition to the musical setlists consisting of no-repeat weekends.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Midsize electric grills suitable for indoor/outdoor use are generally between 26-34 inches wide and can fit at least 10 burgers at a time.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
25 Apr. 2025
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This intelligent filtering ensures that only the most suitable candidates proceed to interviews, significantly accelerating recruitment cycles and reducing biases. 4.—
Tarun Eldho Alias,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
May the Lord grant the deserved reward to those who have wished me well and will continue to pray for me.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
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The speculation comes after a slew of reports that Taylor Swift is taking a well deserved break with Travis Kelce to slow down their pace of life.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Cincinnati prioritized Knight, taking him with pick No. 49 in the second round, knowing the importance of adding a player capable of starting immediately.—
Paul Dehner Jr.,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
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Most notably, though, the bike undercuts the most capable of all middleweight ADVs, the Yamaha Ténéré 700, by thousands.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Kemsley, citing irreconcilable differences, is also requesting that her ex pay her legal fees.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
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According to Katelyn Burns of MSNBC, the author donated £70,000 to For Women Scotland, a campaign group which brought legal challenges arguing that trans women should not be considered women.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Just cut the tubing to the proper length and wrap it around the cables.—
Clint Davis,
People.com,
20 Apr. 2025
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By advocating for proper funding, schools will be able to take innovative approaches to increasing literacy rates, as well as seeing gains in math.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Competent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/competent. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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