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Definitions

qualify

[kwol-uh-fahy] / ˈkwɒl əˌfaɪ /
VERB
make or become ready, prepared
Synonyms
STRONGEST
certify enable entitle meet pass ready score train
STRONG
authorize capacitate commission condition empower endow equip fit ground permit sanction suffice suit
WEAK
check out come up to snuff cut it earn one's wings fill the bill get by hack it make it make the cut make the grade measure up pass muster
Antonyms
STRONGEST
deny fail lose
STRONG
disallow dissatisfy refuse reject
WEAK
allow be lenient be unprepared disqualify
VERB
lessen, restrict
Synonyms
STRONG
abate adapt alter assuage change circumscribe diminish ease limit mitigate moderate modify modulate reduce regulate restrain soften temper vary weaken
Antonyms
STRONG
aggravate continue enlarge expand extend free grow incite increase intensify irritate keep leave alone let go liberate prolong release remain stay strengthen upset worsen
WEAK
allow be lenient be unprepared disqualify
VERB
characterize, distinguish
Synonyms
STRONGEST
describe designate mark
STRONG
ascribe assign attribute impute individualize individuate name predicate signalize singularize
Antonyms
WEAK
allow be lenient be unprepared disqualify

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Only 1.2 million, or about a quarter, of them qualify for the $1,000 federal seed contribution for eligible children.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

In some cases, workers fell below the threshold of hours needed to qualify for health benefits.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Mortgage rates are still lower than they were a year ago, but a sudden jump in rates can spook buyers and make it more difficult for some to qualify for a mortgage.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

After his heroics for Sweden in their World Cup play-offs, which saw them qualify for the tournament in the summer, he is full of confidence.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

“Well, then, why can’t they protect us? It seems to me that, as innocent victims, guilty of nothing more than harboring a marked man, we ought to qualify for government protection!”

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling

Vocabulary lists containing qualify

40 SAT words Beginning with "Q"

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Scrabble: Words that Begin with Q

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List 2

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