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 Approximately $3 million went to organizations focused on enriching people’s lives through arts and culture, including New York City Ballet; the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford, Connecticut; and Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St. Paul, Minnesota. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2025 In March 2017, the museum opened The Bloch Galleries centered on the Impressionist and Post-Impressionists art belonging to H&R Block co-founder Henry Bloch, who died in 2019. Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2025 The single was teased through a series of cryptic social media posts, voice notes, and audio snippets, and Talia Chetrit shot the cover art. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 Apr. 2025 John Krasinski plays Luke, a cunning art thief in the action adventure thriller Fountain of Youth, and puts his skills to good use. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for art
Recent Examples of Synonyms for art
Noun
  • This strategy mirrors successful specialist brands in other sectors: focus, craft, and consistency over endless expansion.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • One-third of all Joann stores will be closed by next week, with the rest of the beleaguered fabric and craft retailer's locations expected to close next month.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The combination of humor, humility, and skill made Arya stand out in a space dominated by polished perfection.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • As time went on, she was praised for her ability to help others find sparks with their soulmates — a skill put to use for the 2013 NBC show, Ready for Love, alongside hosts Giuliana and Bill Rancic.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Tracking the evolution of Donald Trump's trade war Trump reverses global tariff hikes.
    Russ Wiles, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Trump has frequently accused the EU of abusing the U.S. on trade and of unfairly closing off its market to American businesses.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The nightly rates aren’t breathlessly high, and the warm design displays Peruvian handicrafts such Khipu (Incan knotted cords used for record keeping), oversized Chomba jars, and Paracas pottery throughout.
    Katie Chang, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Due to industrialization and globalization, traditional textiles and regional handicraft products have been pushed out of the fashion industry.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Art.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/art. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on art

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