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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 Yes, the attachments are genius, but the hair dryer itself is, too. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2025 The bewildering story of John Bender, a young Wall Street genius whose dream of life in a mansion sanctuary in the Costa Rican jungle turned sour, is set to launch as a podcast. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025 This was a plan Boy had tried to set in motion with the help of his bodyguard Atom (Adrian Edmondson)—who was revealed to be the very first synth the boy genius ever built. Megan McCluskey, Time, 24 Sep. 2025 Partly by placing it in a retirement home was a sort of a genius idea. H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for genius
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genius
Noun
  • Production began on the series in July, and HBO celebrated with the first picture of Dominic McLaughlin, who has inherited the role from Daniel Radcliffe, in costume as the titular wizard.
    Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Daily Mail photographers captured pictures this week showing Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley running into a wizard while on break from his job as the director of Grunnings, a company that makes drills.
    Evan Bell, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • If our hypothetical hard salary cap comes in, teams could be given a higher budget if a percentage is assigned to homegrown talents.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
  • The 6’1″ and 205-pound passer showcases elite processing, football IQ, and sufficient arm talent.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Bo showed the temperament needed and the aptitude to become a therapy dog.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 28 Sep. 2025
  • As a child, Infiniti showed an interest in and an aptitude for performing.
    Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Hunters can submit samples through direct submissions through free self-sample shipping kits in counties where CWD has been previously detected.
    Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Moreover the adoption of shape memory technology for self-positioning systems is a emerging as a crucial factor in pushing the market forward.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Camping, in all its modern manifestations, has become an increasingly popular and affordable go-to strategy for families eager to get outside and enjoy meaningful time together.
    Lynn O'Rourke Hayes, Boston Herald, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The science around this condition continues to evolve, and the physical and mental manifestations of CTE remain under study.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In a rare turn for Chinese tech, Alibaba is leaning heavily into superintelligence — a hypothetical AI system surpassing human intellect — mirroring efforts by US firms like OpenAI and Meta.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Many, in their optimism of her leadership, emphasized that Charlie Kirk repeatedly noted Erika is more conservative than him, and others highlighted her intellect and family values.
    Amanda Castro Mandy Taheri Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • His knack for ventriloquism combined with his spot-on singing impressions wowed viewers, resulting in Fator earning the grand prize.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The comparison comes from the way the 5-foot-9, 195 pound receiver has a knack for running through tackles, producing yards after contact.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Researchers at the University of Virginia’s School of Engineering and Applied Science have created two prototype devices that demonstrate what’s possible.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
  • The Russian devices can disrupt satellite operations, blind satellites, manipulate or kinetically destroy them, Pistorius said, according to Reuters.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Genius.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genius. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

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