Synonyms for capable
- adjective
Definitions
- adj. 1
Able and efficient; having the ability needed for a specific task; having the disposition to do something; permitting or being susceptible to something.
She is capable and efficient.
Related words
- Word family
- capability capableness capably
Choose the right word
Able and capable suggest general ability and reserved power, able being the higher word of the two. A capable man will come up to any ordinary demand.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- adequate The national health service was far from adequate.
- competent Could you find me a couple of competent mechanics?
- suited This planet appears to be suited for colonization.
- susceptible Northern Algeria is susceptible to earthquakes.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| capable | steady | |
| adequate | falling | |
| competent | falling | |
| suited | steady | |
| susceptible | falling |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 3 letters
- apt1
- 4 letters
- open2, able2
- 5 letters
- smart1
- 6 letters
- strong1, clever2, fitted2, suited2, gifted2
- 7 letters
- subject2, adapted3, skilled1, skilful
- 8 letters
- eligible4, adequate3, skillful2, masterly3
- 9 letters
- effective3, qualified3, efficient3, competent3
- 10 letters
- proficient3
- 11 letters
- susceptible4
- 12 letters
- accomplished3
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (open2 = 2 syllables).