COMPETENT Synonyms: 111 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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?

Q: 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

competent

adjective

ˈkäm-pə-tənt

Definition of competent next

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

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

Examples 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 Loading your audio article OAKLAND — A man charged joining another man to beat their victim to death with a mallet and a bicycle may not be mentally competent for trial, according to court records. —

Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 11 Dec. 2024 The implication was that any competent private-sector manager could do a better job than the politicians and bureaucrats who only served themselves. —

Ron Elving, NPR, 7 Dec. 2024 The judge in that case, Allen Superior Court Judge Frances Gull, ultimately found Corcoran competent to stand trial. —

Kristine Phillips, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Dec. 2024 Culturally competent outreach strategies, education and support throughout the research process can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their participation. —

Avik Pal, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for competent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for competent

Adjective

The survey by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research revealed that a majority of adults are not confident in Trump's ability to fill key positions with qualified candidates, despite his promises to shake up Washington.

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
Therefore, the state court concluded, the charity is not qualified to be exempt from state unemployment taxes as a religious institution.

Nina Totenberg, NPR, 13 Dec. 2024