Synonym Chooser

How does the noun aptitude differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of aptitude are bent, faculty, genius, gift, knack, and talent. While all these words mean "a special ability for doing something," 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?

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

a family with an artistic bent

When could faculty be used to replace aptitude?

In some situations, the words faculty and aptitude 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 is it sensible to use genius instead of aptitude?

While in some cases nearly identical to aptitude, genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability.

has no great genius for poetry

When can gift be used instead of aptitude?

The words gift and aptitude can be used in similar contexts, but gift often implies special favor by God or nature.

the gift of singing beautifully

When would knack be a good substitute for aptitude?

The meanings of knack and aptitude largely overlap; however, knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance.

the knack of getting along

When might talent be a better fit than aptitude?

The synonyms talent and aptitude 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 aptitude Nevertheless, the encounter underscored MJF's profound respect for the hardcore icon and his aptitude for crafting compelling, long-term narratives. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025 But there must be a method, some sort of expertise and aptitude for the assignment. Arkansas Online, 7 June 2025 Nancy shared a sweet story about an interaction with the late Eddie Van Halen that involved an acoustic guitar, a hotel landline and the guitarist’s musical aptitude. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 3 June 2025 The woman on the label was intended to conjure both national pride and domestic aptitude. Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for aptitude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aptitude
Noun
  • The inclination of those operating from this skillset is to evaluate the interrelationships and interconnections within and between steps, processes, systems and people.
    Terina Allen, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Marseille’s artistic inclination is matched by an obsession with food which, typically, is very different from what appears on plates in the rest of France.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Perry values DeRozan’s talent and professionalism — not to mention roster depth — and DeRozan has a reasonable contract.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2025
  • Three-quarters of managers engaged in talent hoarding — discouraging top performers from pursuing internal opportunities to protect their own team’s performance.
    Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • Having been sober for many decades herself, Bev recognizes the narcissism of addiction, the way addicts have a tendency to put themselves at the center of the universe.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • People with avoidant tendencies often pull away emotionally, while those with anxious tendencies may cling out of fear.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 June 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
  • However, instead of removing the minerals from the water, these devices make the minerals soluble in the water.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025
  • However, these incidents underscore the importance of regularly updating your devices to stay protected against evolving threats.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The restaurant reinterprets pan-Asian dishes with Afro-Caribbean flavors in a colorful setting with a nightlife flair.
    Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 3 July 2025
  • The menu incorporates seasonal flavors, a creative spirit and traditional Mexican cuisine with a Mediterranean flair.
    Sherrie Nachman, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • Feather said Chewy has a path to dominate the vet clinic market, given its customer affinity, health capabilities and tech capabilities.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 25 June 2025
  • The first step is having people develop an affinity for the Cleeks.
    Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Consumers are increasingly seeking jewelry that reflects their personal identity, style, and emotional connection, whether for themselves or as gifts for loved ones.
    Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Other tax cuts, credits and gifts In addition to extending the tax cuts from the 2017 tax bill, the House version would give people who live in high-tax states such as California, New York and New Jersey a bigger income tax deduction for state and local taxes, known as SALT.
    Jim Sergent, USA Today, 26 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aptitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aptitude. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on aptitude

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!