Definition of geniusnext
1
2
3
4
5

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun genius differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of genius are aptitude, bent, faculty, gift, knack, and talent. While all these words mean "a special ability for doing something," genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability.

has no great genius for poetry

When is aptitude a more appropriate choice than genius?

The words aptitude and genius are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, aptitude implies a natural liking for some activity and the likelihood of success in it.

a mechanical aptitude

How do bent and aptitude relate to one another, in the sense of genius?

Bent is nearly equal to aptitude but it stresses inclination perhaps more than specific ability.

a family with an artistic bent

Where would faculty be a reasonable alternative to genius?

While the synonyms faculty and genius are close in meaning, faculty applies to an innate or less often acquired ability for a particular accomplishment or function.

a faculty for remembering names

When would gift be a good substitute for genius?

While in some cases nearly identical to genius, gift often implies special favor by God or nature.

the gift of singing beautifully

When is it sensible to use knack instead of genius?

The meanings of knack and genius largely overlap; however, knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance.

the knack of getting along

When could talent be used to replace genius?

The words talent and genius can be used in similar contexts, but talent suggests a marked natural ability that needs to be developed.

has enough talent to succeed

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 genius Year after year, NBC’s Advertiser Upfronts in New York were a celebration of the genius of Jimmy Burrows. Warren Littlefield, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2026 Those were organizations who saw something in me and saw my genius, my brilliance, my vision as an artist, and wanted to support that. Brian Welk, IndieWire, 19 June 2026 Which is weird, because I was raised by a male genius who would never do that. Sharareh Drury, Entertainment Weekly, 19 June 2026 So this was actually a Pixar animator that was the genius. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for genius
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genius
Noun
  • Beasley even lit up the scoreboard consistently across the globe in China, affording him unquestioned credentials as an offensive wizard worldwide.
    Juan Carlos Blanco, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • At the time, Soros, along with the financiers Julian Robertson and Michael Steinhardt, defined the public image of hedge-fund managers as investment wizards who made fortunes through huge bets, contrarian calls, iron stomachs, and a willingness to operate close to—or over—the regulatory line.
    Gary Sernovitz, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • Argentina capped the night with a shutout against Algeria and with all three goals belonging to their maestro, as Messi reminded the world of his unique talents.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
  • Looking back, Llamas credits his rise not to exceptional talent but to persistence, preparation, and a willingness to advocate for himself.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • The future of talent acquisition will require hiring more for aptitude, adaptability and leadership potential—and less for perfectly linear résumés.
    Dr. Milpha Blamo, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • The North Korean players’ physical aptitude was clear, but coaches were aware of their technical and tactical shortcomings.
    Andrew McNicol, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • An heir to the Levi jeans fortune who lives in Manhattan, Goldman largely self-funded his campaign.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • For him, Hussein’s death was about fighting oppression, yes, but also about putting the common good of the faithful above one’s self.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • And Zach, talk about manifestation.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2026
  • Dorough, who performs with Richardson, Nick Carter, AJ McLean and Brian Littrell hopes that the manifestation comes true.
    Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • Odysseus is a warrior with wit and intellect, a con man and fabulist who constantly reinvents himself.
    David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
  • His immediate presence was one of sharp intellect, efficiency and modesty.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • His knack of finding the ball in the right place at the right time in the opposition box has already yielded two goals, and Marcelo Bielsa’s team are not exactly overloaded with reliable goalscorers.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 24 June 2026
  • Although Knox didn’t originally plan to go into politics, his family displayed a knack for the field.
    Mary Ramsey Updated June 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • The Big Think website has been optimized to work with all major browsers and devices.
    Big Think, Big Think, 18 June 2026
  • Numerous guests were reportedly secured in harnesses and fall protection and then transitioned onto aerial devices.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Genius.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genius. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on genius

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster