gift 1 of 2

Definition of giftnext

gift

2 of 2

verb

as in to bless
to furnish freely or naturally with some power, quality, or attribute gifted with an uncanny ability to persuade people to do things they ordinarily wouldn't

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun gift differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of gift are aptitude, bent, faculty, genius, knack, and talent. While all these words mean "a special ability for doing something," gift often implies special favor by God or nature.

the gift of singing beautifully

When can aptitude be used instead of gift?

The words aptitude and gift can be used in similar contexts, but 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 gift?

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 gift?

In some situations, the words faculty and gift are roughly equivalent. However, 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 gift?

The meanings of genius and gift largely overlap; however, genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability.

has no great genius for poetry

When would knack be a good substitute for gift?

Although the words knack and gift have much in common, knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance.

the knack of getting along

In what contexts can talent take the place of gift?

The synonyms talent and gift are sometimes interchangeable, 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 gift
Noun
Jewish tradition teaches that the human body is a precious gift from G‑d. Rabbi Moishe Kievman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2026 Neil Young is giving the gift of music in support of Greenland. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
Despite some very not-so-subtle hints from yours truly, my past beaus have never gifted me a handbag on Valentine’s Day, either. Michelle Baricevic, InStyle, 26 Jan. 2026 The Mob frontman pointed to Yams Day 2020 as a turning point in their relationship, which saw Drake pull up to the event paying homage to A$AP Yams and gifted Rocky a chain of his late friend, who passed away in 2015. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gift
Noun
  • The family will also be supporting wig donation programs, as Wilson says his wife personally appreciated the ability to sport various looks after losing her hair in treatment.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Of course, campaign donations have almost nothing to do with Rieder’s ability to do the job of Fed chair.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The movie is like a version of Waiting for Guffman (1996) in which the Christopher Guest character was not a buffoon but an earnest striver with grit and (significant) talent.
    Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
  • That’s because North Crowley’s talent development, depth, culture and recent success have put the school in a position to compete for championships.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • And if she's found happiness, God bless.
    Jacqueline Weiss, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Brooke Shields, God bless her, tried to do a bit.
    E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • When the future feels blank, even an exhausting present feels safer.
    Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • At present, here in early 2026, the cross-section limits from experiments such as XENON have ruled out the standard WIMP miracle scenario in practically every reasonable incarnation.
    Big Think, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Jazz haunts with debts owed to its creators, and has a knack for revivals, collectives, new venues in the old forms, and stalwart clubs revivified by benefactors and grant funding.
    Celina Pereira, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
  • These aren’t just knick knacks that will end up forgotten in the back of a closet.
    Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Koren returned to work stripped of two titles and of a chair that had been endowed in his name.
    Ben Taub, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
  • With an $18 million gift, the couple endowed the Texas Center for Writers, which was renamed the Michener Center after his death in 1997.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 20 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Also part of the program will be a presentation of the Resonator Hall of Fame Awards, designated for the career achievements of producers and engineers.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The platform meets Criminal Justice Information Systems standards set by the FBI and undergoes regular cybersecurity penetration testing, according to the presentation.
    Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The Broncos expect Stidham to play well given his mental aptitude, preparation and personality.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Woodall plays a talented piano tuner whose meticulous skills for tuning pianos lead him to discover an unexpected aptitude for cracking safes, turning his life upside down.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gift. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on gift

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