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Some common synonyms of competent<\/em> are adequate<\/em><\/a>, enough<\/em><\/a>, and sufficient<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"being what is necessary or desirable,\" competent<\/em> suggests measuring up to all requirements without question or being adequately adapted to an end.<\/p>

\/\/ had no competent<\/em> notion of what was going on<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When could 'adequate' be used to replace 'competent'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words adequate<\/em><\/a> and competent<\/em> can be used in similar contexts, but adequate<\/em> may imply barely meeting a requirement.<\/p>

\/\/ the service was adequate<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How are the words 'enough' and 'sufficient' related as synonyms of 'competent'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Enough<\/em><\/a> is less exact in suggestion than sufficient<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>

\/\/ do you have enough<\/em> food?<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is 'sufficient' a more appropriate choice than 'competent'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The meanings of sufficient<\/em><\/a> and competent<\/em> largely overlap; however, sufficient<\/em> suggests a close meeting of a need.<\/p>

\/\/ sufficient<\/em> savings<\/p>" } } ] }

competent

adjective

ˈkäm-pÉ™-tÉ™nt How to pronounce competent (audio)
Definition of competentnext
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

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective competent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of competent are adequate, enough, and sufficient. While all these words mean "being what is necessary or desirable," competent suggests measuring up to all requirements without question or being adequately adapted to an end.

had no competent notion of what was going on

When could adequate be used to replace competent?

The words adequate and competent can be used in similar contexts, but adequate may imply barely meeting a requirement.

the service was adequate

How are the words enough and sufficient related as synonyms of competent?

Enough is less exact in suggestion than sufficient.

do you have enough food?

When is sufficient a more appropriate choice than competent?

The meanings of sufficient and competent largely overlap; however, sufficient suggests a close meeting of a need.

sufficient savings

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 Strong institutions depend not only on sound policies but also on competent leadership. —Jodi Balma, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026 Here, there is not necessarily any education competent. —Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 13 Mar. 2026 RoseMarie Terenzio, John’s hip and competent assistant, returns for a brief cameo, looking even more dowdy and ridiculous. —Lisa Depaulo, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026 Langford will return to Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center for 60 days or until he is found competent to stand trial. —Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for competent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for competent
  1. qualified
  2. justified
  3. suitable
  4. deserved
  5. capable
  6. legal
  7. proper
Adjective
  • Most Detroit car makers fell in line, and after 1975, most cars smog-qualified for California buyers were sold everywhere else too.
    — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The bottom line is, many ICE agents are not qualified or properly trained for TSA jobs.
    — Jay Reddick, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of qualified
Adjective
  • But even a justified intervention can erode democratic norms if undertaken without sustained public explanation.
    — Kenneth Zagacki, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The former mayor also added no local government had done more than the city of Sacramento to address homelessness, though residents’ frustration is absolutely justified.
    — Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Definition of justified
Adjective
  • Hundreds of people could work in the building, which is described as a site that’s suitable for industrial, logistics, warehouse, and distribution activities.
    — George Avalos, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • But there are twice as many single women as men in the LDS faith, making finding a suitable husband to marry and have babies with yet another competition.
    — Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of suitable
Adjective
  • Every award was absolutely deserved.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Yes, Joseph Woll was again stellar, stopping 31 of 33 shots and earning deserved praise for his aggressiveness and agility.
    — Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2026
Definition of deserved
Adjective
  • According to IntBot, the robot represents a broader shift toward socially intelligent robots capable of understanding human intent and operating autonomously in real-world environments such as airports, hospitals, and public buildings.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Mar. 2026
  • The 82nd Airborne Division is known as the Army's emergency response team, capable of deploying within 18 hours and parachuting into a war zone.
    — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
Definition of capable
Adjective
  • Deepfake abuse is a growing problem at schools across the country, but experts warn that school policies, legal recourse and education lag far behind.
    — Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Together, Feig’s keynote and Glaser’s recognition underscore the intersection of creative vision and legal excellence that defines the modern entertainment industry — making Power of Law one of the most essential gatherings for leaders shaping the business of entertainment today.
    — William Earl, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026
Definition of legal
Adjective
  • Westcott said some of the subdivisions along the creek were built in the 1960s and 1970s when proper drainage was an afterthought and fences were installed in floodways.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Hayden said that Charles failed to execute proper safety protocols while Joseph crossed the street.
    — Anna Meiler, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of proper

Browse Nearby Words

competency
competent
competently
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Cite this Entry

“Competent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/competent. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of competent for Spanish Speakers

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