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 Some have accused him of masquerading as an intellectual without the requisite knowledge or aptitude. Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025 In PCMark 10 Overall Storage, which measures a drive's aptitude in performing a series of everyday storage tasks, the T710 lags the T705 and most of the other Gen 5 drives. PC Magazine, 6 Aug. 2025 Students are sorted into these houses based on their personalities and magical aptitudes. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Aug. 2025 The public incorrectly values charisma over aptitude, and Janet is Al Gore. Tom Smyth, Vulture, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for aptitude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aptitude
Noun
  • Kinloch noted the Legislature has shown no inclination to advance bills that create arena taxes.
    Malachi Barrett, Freep.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Vesting oversight primarily in defense departments and ministries is a traditional inclination.
    GARY ROUGHEAD, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Leeds are tipped to survive the drop after adding Premier League experience and European talent to their ranks.
    Jack Bantock, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Bhutia is part of India's digital growth story that is creating entrepreneurs, drawing investments, and attracting global tech giants, fueled in large part by a gigantic talent pool and tech userbase.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Nowadays people see small images on their phones so there’s a tendency to crop in on everything.
    Adam Morganstern, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • With that said, his biggest flaw remains a tendency to sail throws high from the pocket.
    Tim Crowley, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But will the bill come due on these escapes, not just against the Chargers but with their remarkable knack of winning one-score games?
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Shaq has a knack for turning star power into accessible ventures, whether that’s in fashion, food, or now fragrance.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Some analysts are forecasting the company to raise prices on its devices even after all Cook has done to avoid the worst of the tariffs.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
  • All devices are slated for release in Europe shortly, and Roborock says that the robot lawn mowers will come to the US eventually.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Finish it off with a silk scarf around your neck, your ponytail, or your work bag to add some flair.
    Amber Cardullo, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Deutsche Küche Apple Frangipane Tarts For an elegant dessert option, the $4 Deutsche Küche Apple Frangipane Tarts bring a European flair to the table.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • These aren't just impressions—they're experiences that drive immediate conversion while building brand affinity.
    Kiri Masters, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Kolek relied on his affinity for groundballs to stymie the Tigers’ offense.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • This expansion is made possible through a lead gift from the Maguire Foundation.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Another is Jacquemus’ signature and handwritten elements, appearing both on the gift box and on the white linen draped around bottles.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on aptitude

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