1
as in mastery
a highly developed skill in or knowledge of something
surprised by his proficiency at the game after only the briefest explanation of the rules
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in skills
knowledge gained by actually doing or living through something
acquired proficiency at golf through long hours of practice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of proficiency
Some require just a short residency, while others require language proficiency tests and knowledge of the history and laws.
—
Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026
Of course, children today don’t need educational prompting to find their own way into tech proficiency.
—Indrani Sen, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
Ratner’s real power lay less in directing than in financing, a career built on a proficiency for cultivating relationships with powerful men.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026
Across Massachusetts, only 42% of students are meeting literacy proficiency in grade 3, compared to 56% in 2029, according to Rennie Center data.
—Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026
Of course, children today don’t need educational prompting to find their own way into tech proficiency.
—Indrani Sen, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
Ratner’s real power lay less in directing than in financing, a career built on a proficiency for cultivating relationships with powerful men.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026
Across Massachusetts, only 42% of students are meeting literacy proficiency in grade 3, compared to 56% in 2029, according to Rennie Center data.
—Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for proficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficiency
Noun
-
The Ukrainian army continues to hold their defensive lines in the east of the country, and its mastery in drone warfare has forced the Russians to move away from the large-scale infantry assaults of previous years.—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
-
His style of composition is rock and roll mastery.—
Paul Grein,
Billboard,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In the four years since the facility opened, many of the club’s members have leveled up their skills in a big way.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Over time, their problem-solving skills will improve.—
Lizzie Assa,
CNBC,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Cannon established Coppermark and almost immediately reached out to Stephanie Lee, a roofing contractor and independent adjuster with extensive experience in hail, wind, and tornado damage.—
J.C. Hallman,
Oklahoman,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Can our experiences as babies still be felt today?—
Daisy Jones,
Vogue,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Ballet training is all about developing individual expertise.—
David Lyman,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Even Ursula and Sasha rely on men for their escape, accepting that whoever has the correct experience and expertise should lead the way.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Without the correct attributes — competitiveness, mindset, IQ, internal drive — Donovan fears a young player could flounder in Chicago.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Stupidity is not tied to IQ — as dumbness is — or the ability to assess risks — as being foolish is.—
Jonny Thomson,
Big Think,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The company claims that the birds flew preset routes and returned to base on command, marking an unusual step toward animal-machine hybrids that blur the line between biology and robotics.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The Clippers took command with a 17-3 run closing out the third quarter.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Proficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proficiency. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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