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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 The film’s portrayal of Kafka as a misunderstood genius stymied by bourgeois capitalist priorities is sympathetic but hardly radical, while its engagement with his actual work is limited, give or take some canny quotation in Marek Epstein’s script. Guy Lodge, Variety, 20 Sep. 2025 In a film filled with jump scares, the juxtaposition of laughs was genius. Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 20 Sep. 2025 Some kind of rusted magic up there made so much rock ‘n’ roll genius possible, far and beyond even Oasis’s mighty megastardom. Jesse Adams, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025 Or would Boy dare toy with his own genius by putting it inside himself? Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for genius
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genius
Noun
  • No one has lived on a distant planet, in the far future, or any place where dragons or wizards rule—so, kudos to anyone who can make such realms feel truly lived in.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The goal isn’t to turn you into a prompt‑writing wizard, but rather to give you the ability to ask the kinds of questions that cut through jargon and force clarity.
    Sarah Stockdale, Forbes.com, 16 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
  • For young professionals, demonstrating an attitude and an aptitude for lifelong learning will distinguish them in a demanding workplace.
    Ulrik Juul Christensen, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The Chiefs have an aptitude problem.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 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
  • That is all well and good, but for us, its physical manifestation is wet, salty, and immediately threatening.
    Feleti Penitala Teo, Time, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Löfgren is a rare manifestation of sarcoidosis, an inflammatory condition.
    Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 22 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 27 Sep. 2025.

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