Definition of artnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun art contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of art are artifice, craft, cunning, and skill. While all these words mean "the faculty of executing well what one has devised," art implies a personal, unanalyzable creative power.

the art of choosing the right word

Where would artifice be a reasonable alternative to art?

While the synonyms artifice and art are close in meaning, artifice suggests technical skill especially in imitating things in nature.

believed realism in film could be achieved only by artifice

When is it sensible to use craft instead of art?

In some situations, the words craft and art are roughly equivalent. However, craft may imply expertness in workmanship.

the craft of a master goldsmith

When could cunning be used to replace art?

The words cunning and art can be used in similar contexts, but cunning suggests ingenuity and subtlety in devising, inventing, or executing.

a mystery plotted with great cunning

When might skill be a better fit than art?

The meanings of skill and art largely overlap; however, skill stresses technical knowledge and proficiency.

the skill of a glassblower

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 art Though the actor often fell asleep at his desk while creating art, Lisa quickly realized that something was wrong. Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026 Also interesting is that the characters have no faces, in keeping with Dakota art tradition, as is the background of ledger paper. Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 12 Apr. 2026 At the same time, there is so much art from both of them. Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026 The New Yorker’s digital design director, Aviva Michaelov, says that Szauder sent around 15 different sketches to senior art director Supriya Kalidas, including the one that eventually led to the final Hydra-esque eldritch monstrosity that can be seen above the article. Cath Virginia, The Verge, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for art
Recent Examples of Synonyms for art
Noun
  • Space agency officials’ blood pressure was further elevated as experts closely watched the performance of the craft’s heat shield, which astronauts rely on to slow them down and keep temperatures livable.
    Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
  • When his friend David Rodriguez opened Union Beer Store in Little Havana in 2017, Castro became its marketing manager, and started replaying old matches and pay-per-view shows on repeat at the craft-beer bar.
    Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The former three-star recruit has the production, movement skills and temperament to hear his name early.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Students learn an abundance of skills in business, art and design, fashion design, photography, software development, and more.
    Chris Wragge, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • For a state like Illinois — a global hub for manufacturing and agriculture — these federal trade wars act as a direct anchor on our economy.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The draft As part of an NBA settlement over the Heat not being made fully aware of the gambling investigation into Terry Rozier ahead of the Heat’s January 2024 trade for the guard, the Heat from the Hornets will be receiving Golden State’s second-round pick in June.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Art.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/art. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.

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