Synonyms of art

art

noun

ˈärt 

1

as in craft

an occupation requiring skillful use of the hands

one of the country's finest practitioners of the art of cabinetmaking

Synonyms & Similar Words

• craft
• trade
• skill
• handicraft
• handcraft
• profession
• occupation
• vocation
• métier
• calling

2

as in skill

subtle or imaginative ability in inventing, devising, or executing something

while some people see it simply as mindless fun or exercise, there is an art to skateboarding

Synonyms & Similar Words

• skill
• skillfulness
• artistry
• cunning
• creativity
• proficiency
• craft
• ease
• talent
• artfulness
• expertise
• adeptness
• experience
• cleverness
• artifice
• adroitness
• masterfulness
• knack
• aptitude
• deftness
• learning
• gift
• knowledge
• finesse
• inventiveness
• dexterity
• ingenuity
• flair
• expertness
• handiness
• know-how
• bent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• artlessness
• ineptitude
• ineptness
• awkwardness
• clumsiness
• crudeness
• maladroitness
• rudeness
• amateurishness
• incapacity
• inability
• incompetence
• inefficiency
• inadequacy
• ineffectiveness
• inefficacy
• incapability
• ineffectuality
• klutziness
• ineffectualness
• inadequateness

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun art contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of art are artifice, craft, cunning, and skill. While all these words mean "the faculty of executing well what one has devised," art implies a personal, unanalyzable creative power.

the art of choosing the right word

Where would artifice be a reasonable alternative to art?

While the synonyms artifice and art are close in meaning, artifice suggests technical skill especially in imitating things in nature.

believed realism in film could be achieved only by artifice

When is it sensible to use craft instead of art?

In some situations, the words craft and art are roughly equivalent. However, craft may imply expertness in workmanship.

the craft of a master goldsmith

When could cunning be used to replace art?

The words cunning and art can be used in similar contexts, but cunning suggests ingenuity and subtlety in devising, inventing, or executing.

a mystery plotted with great cunning

When might skill be a better fit than art?

The meanings of skill and art largely overlap; however, skill stresses technical knowledge and proficiency.

the skill of a glassblower

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of art

Padamsee, one of the pioneers of Indian modern art, was a protégé of the Aga Khan, who encouraged the young artist to move to Paris and further his studies. —Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026

Just as art reflects the social movements and philosophies of its time, the history of games charts shifts in technology, labor, consumption and cultural values, from early 8-bit graphics to networked gaming worlds. —Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026

The Artists’ Gallery, at 8197 Main Street, is holding an all-member art show through April 26 featuring new work in a variety of media from local artists. —Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 8 Mar. 2026

The Getty Center is in Brentwood and is the larger location with centuries of art to explore, from medieval to modern art, plus architecture and gardens. —Sari Hitchins, Parents, 8 Mar. 2026