Synonym Chooser

How does the noun talent differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of talent are aptitude, bent, faculty, genius, gift, and knack. While all these words mean "a special ability for doing something," talent suggests a marked natural ability that needs to be developed.

has enough talent to succeed

In what contexts can aptitude take the place of talent?

In some situations, the words aptitude and talent are roughly equivalent. However, aptitude implies a natural liking for some activity and the likelihood of success in it.

a mechanical aptitude

How are the words bent and aptitude related as synonyms of talent?

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

a family with an artistic bent

When might faculty be a better fit than talent?

The synonyms faculty and talent are sometimes interchangeable, but faculty applies to an innate or less often acquired ability for a particular accomplishment or function.

a faculty for remembering names

When could genius be used to replace talent?

The words genius and talent can be used in similar contexts, but genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability.

has no great genius for poetry

Where would gift be a reasonable alternative to talent?

The words gift and talent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gift often implies special favor by God or nature.

the gift of singing beautifully

When can knack be used instead of talent?

While in some cases nearly identical to talent, knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance.

the knack of getting along

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 talent Not only did his talents captivate lovers of music, but also creators of music. Ramal Nasim, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2025 The Heat can also make a trade to add outside talent to the roster. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 28 June 2025 And, Jim Miller has always wanted to bring his daughter’s talent to the family business. Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 28 June 2025 In its recent deal with Meta, Big Tech avoided an outright acquisition—opting instead to carve off talent and data access. Sindhya Valloppillil, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for talent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for talent
Noun
  • Connelly frequently downplayed her reputation and aptitude for knowing how to ask for large donations from important individuals.
    Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025
  • Those are two promising indicators of his aptitude for spacing the floor for his high-usage teammates.
    Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • The Bucks have a knack for finding under-the-radar snipers late in free agency—Malik Beasley in 2023 and Trent last year come to mind.
    Brian Sampson, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • The Mustangs have a knack for drama and often find themselves in high-stakes moments late in games.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Another case alleges that Netanyahu and his wife received lavish gifts worth around $200,000—including cigars and Champagne—from Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire businessman James Packer in exchange for Milchan’s business benefits.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 26 June 2025
  • Watching the Miracle on the Hudson landing Terry Billings received tickets as a Father’s Day gift from his son and daughter-in-law.
    Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • This look also continues a growing motif in the rapper’s fashion trajectory: collectible, referential shoes that fuse fashion history with pop culture flair.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 22 June 2025
  • Sixteen new boutique homes in a residential suburb of Sacramento are turning heads for more reasons than their contemporary flair.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Talent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/talent. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on talent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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