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
An investigation is underway and the officials in charge appear very competent.
—
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
The field may lack razzle and dazzle but not competent candidates.
—Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2026
When a patient is fully informed and gives voluntary, competent consent, the state has no legitimate role in preventing physicians from honoring that decision.
—Dr. Jeffrey Singer, New York Daily News, 3 Jan. 2026
Without such a government and competent security force in place, Israel will continue to feel the need to strike Gaza to prevent Hamas from rebuilding.
—Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for competent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for competent
Adjective
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Both are qualified to meet FAA surveillance requirements through prior test-site certification activities.—
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One of Actum’s largest clients is AltaMed Health Services Corporation, a federally-qualified network of community health centers in Los Angeles.—
Adjective
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The justified fear was that without a conference affiliation with the two biggest schools in the Big 12 would be catastrophic to Texas Tech University, its football team, the entire athletic department, and to Lubbock itself.—
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Majumdar lavishes her characters with careful attention, and so the reader comes to regard their most troubling actions as justified, if not inevitable.—
Adjective
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The Mokum variety, a Nantes type, is suitable for container growing since the orange roots are slim and shorter than some of the larger varieties, reaching six-to-eight inches in length.—
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During the land use committee hearing, city property agent Tyler Garland said the five parcels are not suitable for multi-family housing and that no city department expressed interest in using them.—
Adjective
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Jessie Buckley’s and Timothée Chalamet’s wins in the lead acting categories gave 25 points to Hamnet and Marty Supreme, respectively, while Amy Madigan’s surprising (but well deserved) win in Best Supporting Actress gave another 25 points to Weapons.—
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After some dynamic passing from Robertson and Bobby McMann, capped by a splendid finish from Roy, the Leafs’ new third line pushed the team to a deserved early lead.—
Adjective
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Use extra caution near the surf zone as these large waves will be capable of sweeping people into the frigid and turbulent ocean water.—
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The cyber-pet also features a high-fidelity facial screen capable of thousands of expressions and concise text replies.—
Adjective
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This type of political spending is legal under California law.—
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No legal responsibility was ever assigned to Woroniecki in connection with the Yates children's deaths.—
Adjective
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Resar said the issue is technique and having a dedicated coach who specializes in tight ends and can teach him proper footwork and hand placement.—
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After not hosting an official ceremony in 2022, the Golden Globes returned to proper form in 2023, with stars showing off jaw-dropping looks on the red carpet.—
Cite this Entry
“Competent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/competent. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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