1
as in technical
having or showing trained ability in a particular field of knowledge
Many of the applicants lacked the professional experience the job required. She had always dreamed of becoming a professional boxer.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in civil
in a serious and polite manner
She found his presentation informative and his delivery quite professional. Employees were expected to act in a professional manner when dealing with potential customers.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in specialist
a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field
If you want the job done right, you really should hire a professional.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 professional
Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2025
In Miller’s 57-fight professional MMA career, he has only been submitted three times.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025
This could include help from family, school, workplace accommodations, or specialized professionals.
—Heidi Moawad, Md, Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for professional
Adjective
Hiring a professional house cleaner can be nerve-wracking.
—Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2025
In Miller’s 57-fight professional MMA career, he has only been submitted three times.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
The day after the dinner, Graham participated in a service for White House staff, including lawyers and administrative professionals, joined by Pastor Greg Laurie and Pastor Jentezen Franklin, who administered communion.
—Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025
This could include help from family, school, workplace accommodations, or specialized professionals.
—Heidi Moawad, Md, Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for professional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for professional
Adjective
-
Reports indicate that 10 to 30 percent of interviews – especially for technical roles – now involve some level of deception.—
Gene Marks,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
-
The program offers hands-on support, including personalized resume optimization, networking strategy, technical mastery, behavioral interview prep, and more.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The disastrous event led to its organizer pleading guilty to wire fraud and settling a class-action civil suit.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
23 Apr. 2025
-
The civil suits are the only remaining legal effort to hold the president accountable for the riot, after two criminal cases against Trump tied to Jan. 6 crumbled last year.—
Zach Schonfeld,
The Hill,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
McLaren then partnered with Ricardo, British engineering specialists, to get the engine road-car ready, which was accomplished in 18 months.—
Sean Evans,
Robb Report,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Even if your current treatment options are limited, speak with your oncologist (cancer specialist) about clinical trials that actively recruit participants.—
Jamin Brahmbhatt,
Verywell Health,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Organizations need to evaluate this against their existing identity infrastructure and determine if adopting a specialized solution for AI agents aligns with their architectural strategy.—
Janakiram MSV,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
-
In addition to production, The Hive Greece will offer animation courses to nurture emerging talent, beginning with a specialized Toon Boom masterclass.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The daughter of Season 25’s Bryan Olesen turned out a perfectly respectable rendition of Avril Lavigne’s ballad.—
Charlie Mason,
TVLine,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Rose shot a very respectable round of 71, but had too many bogeys mixed in with his handful of birdies.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Seasoned managers and experienced consultants can sometimes fall into the same trap.—
Peter Follows,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Caroline Fleck, PhD, is a licensed psychologist, corporate consultant, and Adjunct Clinical Instructor at Stanford University.—
Caroline Fleck, Contributor,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
He has been credited as a skilled recruiter and defensive coordinator who contributed to the school reaching the NCAA Tournament in each of those seasons.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Guests can savor artisanal cocktails crafted by skilled mixologists while enjoying live entertainment on select evenings, creating an unforgettable dining experience under the stars.—
Michaela Trimble,
Vogue,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
However, as the market matures and these relationships become more businesslike, enforcement will follow.—
Kristi Dosh,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Ovechkin was fairly businesslike in discussing his latest goal, which occurred a day shy of the 19th anniversary of him reaching 40 goals for the first time.—
Larry Fleisher,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Professional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/professional. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share