as in masterfully
in a skillful or expert manner
performed the piece at least competently, if not superbly
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Recent Examples of competently
Nevertheless, Mustaine’s leadership ensures that Megadeth has all the hallmarks of a competently forgettable Megadeth album.
—
Eli Enis, Pitchfork, 26 Jan. 2026
Public programs retain support only when voters believe they are competently managed, and this story suggests the opposite.
—Matt K. Lewis, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026
But the price tag will rise by another $10 billion, the completion date will be pushed off to 2050, and people will begin to fondly reminisce about how competently the Big Dig project was run.
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
And why can’t the state competently handle major tech projects?
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 30 Nov. 2025
On the Longhorns’ lone scoring drive, Manning performs competently, but running back Quintrevion Wisner does the heavy lifting with a 37-yard run.
—Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2025
The selling point of the Conjurings is that they are competently made haunted house movies that reliably feature good set pieces.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025
The canine, named Charlie, was captured competently pulling the cover off an outdoor paddling pool, all by himself while his owner was away.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
The complaints also said Streich failed to act competently, failed to return the client's property, charged unreasonable fees and provided false information to the Board of Professional Responsibility.
—Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Aug. 2025
Eli Enis, Pitchfork, 26 Jan. 2026
Public programs retain support only when voters believe they are competently managed, and this story suggests the opposite.
—Matt K. Lewis, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026
But the price tag will rise by another $10 billion, the completion date will be pushed off to 2050, and people will begin to fondly reminisce about how competently the Big Dig project was run.
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
And why can’t the state competently handle major tech projects?
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 30 Nov. 2025
On the Longhorns’ lone scoring drive, Manning performs competently, but running back Quintrevion Wisner does the heavy lifting with a 37-yard run.
—Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2025
The selling point of the Conjurings is that they are competently made haunted house movies that reliably feature good set pieces.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025
The canine, named Charlie, was captured competently pulling the cover off an outdoor paddling pool, all by himself while his owner was away.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
The complaints also said Streich failed to act competently, failed to return the client's property, charged unreasonable fees and provided false information to the Board of Professional Responsibility.
—Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for competently
Adverb
-
Director Tony Williams masterfully curates a mood of oppressive dread from the opening minutes through the bloody climax and explosive final frames, making this one of the very best Australian horror films of all time.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Fuerza Regida masterfully blends heartbreak and dangerous rumors into one gripping track.—
Tere Aguilera,
Billboard,
30 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Lamont has so far skillfully navigated the erratic, unilateral and sometimes vengeful policy pronouncements from Washington.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
7 Feb. 2026
-
This 2026 reissue of the sneaker features a slim shape and a low profile—skillfully tapping into the current hype surrounding nostalgic slim sneakers.—
Katharina Fuchs,
Glamour,
1 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Dale has state government, education, radio and television experience as well.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
-
While traders are trying to cash in on the rally, geopolitical uncertainty persists, boding well for gold prices.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
Newsom has capably sensed what Democrats want right now, and is delivering it with a roguish charisma.—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
22 Jan. 2026
-
While Harmon has capably knocked down her midrange jumper lately, shooting guard Jordan Lee is in the midst of slump.—
Cedric Golden,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Perhaps the most controversial policy is holding back third graders who cannot read proficiently.—
Theara Coleman,
TheWeek,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Over 75% of the student body at Eastway speaks a first language other than English, with many students who do not yet speak English proficiently.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
None was required for that surreptitious exchange– two dollars for a warm burrito neatly wrapped.—
Krista Kafer,
Denver Post,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Abrams also cautioned that Washington priorities will define Dogu’s mission, and those priorities might not always align neatly with democratic objectives.—
Yamlek Mojica Loaisiga,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Adverb
-
And, speaking of music, Wheeler is ably assisted by an acoustic duo known as Northern Shores, underscoring the story with Celtic elements.—
Rob Hubbard,
Twin Cities,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The casting does fantastic worldbuilding, ably finds an actor who can take on a very tricky role, and reminds us all of how good Ralph Fiennes looks in a red hat.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
2 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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Our show is expertly produced, as always by Chris McLeod of Blue Elevator Productions and our very own Josh Billinson.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Jeremy’s savory dishes are composed and confident; standouts have included a vibrant duck salad, delicate waloo crudo, mussels escabeche and expertly prepared American red snapper.—
USA TODAY NETWORK,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Competently.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/competently. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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