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
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Recent Examples of competent
Perhaps the most systematic attempt to bring order to this chaos comes from Google DeepMind, which in July 2024 proposed a framework with five levels of AGI performance: emerging, competent, expert, virtuoso, and superhuman.
—
ArsTechnica, 8 July 2025
In 2025, businesses were seen as nearly as ethical as NGOs and far more competent.
—Sarah Bush, Foreign Affairs, 3 July 2025
Two men accused of setting the fire that closed Interstate 471 and the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge for months have been found competent to stand trial.
—Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Orlando might actually have a competent offense for the first time in years.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for competent
ArsTechnica, 8 July 2025
In 2025, businesses were seen as nearly as ethical as NGOs and far more competent.
—Sarah Bush, Foreign Affairs, 3 July 2025
Two men accused of setting the fire that closed Interstate 471 and the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge for months have been found competent to stand trial.
—Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Orlando might actually have a competent offense for the first time in years.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for competent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for competent
Adjective
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The property may include a preservation easement — a voluntary legal arrangement between a property owner and a qualified organization to protect the home from alteration or demolition.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 July 2025
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Cline: Unlike qualified plans, the assets in non-qualified plans aren’t required to be held in a separate trust.—
Larry Light,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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There are very justified concerns about the money that’s now committed to a 1B/DH-type throughout his early and mid-30s, but a lot of that has to do with the good-not-great OBPs that Devers has had in the past.—
Grant Brisbee,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
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Brit’s drama from the dinner seems more like a projection than a justified reaction.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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This content is not, nor is intended to be, trading or investment advice or a recommendation that any investment product or strategy is suitable for any person.—
JJ Kinahan,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
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Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs.—
Steve Hruby,
The Enquirer,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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The honor is very much deserved for Ryan, who has been the best pitcher on the Twins over the past few months with an 8-4 record, a 2.76 ERA, and 116 strikeouts.—
Dane Mizutani,
Twin Cities,
10 July 2025
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The Athletics receive plenty of deserved flak about playing in Sacramento — which was a purposeful move — while Tampa Bay continues to play elite baseball despite playing home games in another minor-league park (not purposeful) and continuing to pinch pennies.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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In their wins against Arsenal in the UCL semis and Inter Milan in the final, this young, balanced roster looked capable of piling up several trophies in the years to come.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
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So Bay Area rids itself of a capable player to have to immediately use an on-site sub.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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Many legal scholars don't share Jackson's ominous view, including several critical of Trump.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 July 2025
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And with sports wagering now legal in more than half of U.S. states (38 and counting) in the U.S., Fantasy Life is well-situated as a portal for faciliating IRL sports betting.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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For proper perspective, compare that to 2025 Songwriting Hall of Fame inductee Ashley Gorley's 83 No. 1 hits over 20 years.—
Marcus K. Dowling,
The Tennessean,
13 July 2025
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His uncle wanted to show him the ropes, but there were obstacles: equipment cost, building things to code, researching the proper setup.—
Roxana Popescu,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Competent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/competent. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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