as in capability
the physical or mental power to do something
as a result of the accident the once-vigorous athlete lost the ability to walk
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ability
Butler’s ability to anticipate societal challenges has long been a hallmark of her work.
—
Melissa Noel, Essence, 23 Jan. 2025
Patients and providers across the country faced chaos as the breach impacted their ability to access and pay for healthcare services.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 23 Jan. 2025
What Lies Ahead The Knicks have demonstrated their ability to handle weaker teams, but their path to true contention requires rising to the challenge against tougher opponents.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2025
And research suggests a variety of explanations could explain that link, including exercise’s effect on levels of hormones like estrogen and insulin that influence some cancers, as well as its ability to ramp up the activity of some immune cells and keep inflammation at bay.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for ability 
Melissa Noel, Essence, 23 Jan. 2025
Patients and providers across the country faced chaos as the breach impacted their ability to access and pay for healthcare services.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 23 Jan. 2025
What Lies Ahead The Knicks have demonstrated their ability to handle weaker teams, but their path to true contention requires rising to the challenge against tougher opponents.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2025
And research suggests a variety of explanations could explain that link, including exercise’s effect on levels of hormones like estrogen and insulin that influence some cancers, as well as its ability to ramp up the activity of some immune cells and keep inflammation at bay.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for ability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ability
Noun
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Meanwhile, runway photography will also be taken on iPhones, as will close-ups using the telephoto capabilities.—
Lily Templeton,
WWD,
19 Jan. 2025
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As a result of these capabilities, VPNs are frequently used in attempts to get around digital geolocation restrictions, like those on Netflix or other streaming platforms.—
Lily Hay Newman,
WIRED,
19 Jan. 2025
Noun
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On the flip side, the shoulders have an incredible capacity for multiplanar function, offering a great deal of flexibility and range of motion.—
Matt Parrott,
arkansasonline.com,
26 Jan. 2025
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Classroom capacities, historical trends and demographic shifts all can change the makeup of a school’s student population.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Nathan, along with many of his classmates and some of Stan’s fellow faculty members, is understandably suspicious of Stan’s motives.—
Joe Leydon,
Variety,
24 Jan. 2025
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Despite recurring concerns about the challenges liberal arts graduates face on the job market, many students still dream of studying the humanities at an Ivy League institution, where renowned faculty members and innovative curricula attract top students.—
Christopher Rim,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Should be a conceptual thinker with strategic and problem-solving skills.—
Terina Allen,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
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Just about every skill that is useful in calm times will be needed in these difficult months and years ahead.—
James Kendra,
The Conversation,
20 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Durant, from a talent and production standpoint alone, is more than deserving.—
Zach Harper,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
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Vucevic is an All-Star-level talent who could provide more size to this Pacers rotation.—
John Yoo and John Shu,
Newsweek,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman became the first Black coach to reach the championship game, an overdue development reflective of circumstances, opportunity and Freeman’s own aptitude.—
Jon Wilner,
The Mercury News,
22 Jan. 2025
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This soldier’s already showing plenty of aptitude for the spy lifestyle.—
Andy Andersen,
Vulture,
1 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near ability
Cite this Entry
“Ability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ability. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
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