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 Additionally, the High already possesses as a collection strength other examples South African art. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 Beside me were two-ton custom jigs and dozens of shipping mounts resembling modern art. Michael Jones McKean, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025 Advertisement But dishonesty of this nature does not yield good art—at least, not truthful art. Esther Lin, Time, 12 June 2025 His incredibly detailed lithographic art, often of the surgical theater, greeted everyone who stepped through his office doors. Christina Mayo, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for art
Recent Examples of Synonyms for art
Noun
  • Opening July 6, Fragonard’s latest museum in Arles is the story of two dynasties united by friendship, a love for heirloom crafts and a knack for collecting.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 28 June 2025
  • Getting to the knockout phase will take guile as much as craft, something the Dutch boast in abundance.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • The local event is part of a yearly nationwide ham radio open house, during which more than 40,000 amateur radio clubs throughout North America set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate its science, skill, and service to communities and the nation.
    Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2025
  • Field researchers thrive on a specific set of skills and attributes: resilience, self-reliance, creative problem-solving, and the ability to focus on the moment to decide what needs to be done.
    Sarah Boon June 25, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • German Marquez leads trade parade; hands off Ezequiel Tovar, Hunter Goodman Grading The Week: Shedeur Sanders needs to slow down.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 22 June 2025
  • But Cate mentioned obvious areas of interest such as housing, infrastructure, regulations, taxes and fees, trade and the overall cost of living.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • The space is thoughtfully curated with local handicrafts like Thai kites and pottery, warm textures, and views over a private lagoon.
    Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • Her first creations, a diamond necklace and earrings in a fan motif, referenced her family’s roots in eastern Nigeria, where making fans, especially in raffia and leather, is a traditional handicraft.
    Victoria Gomelsky, New York Times, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Art.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/art. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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