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 Family-friendly activities include arts and crafts, video games, physical movement activities, interactive spray paint murals, corn hole and hop-scotch, all along the South Dock. Saleema Syed, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025 That new music and arts festival was co-organized by Ekko Astral and the nonprofit Gender Liberation Movement, and features performances by L’Rain, Ted Leo, Speedy Ortiz, Bartees Strange, Downtown Boys, Pretty Bitter, and more across its two-day schedule. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 19 May 2025 Mountains can be seen in every direction, and the downtown area, specifically Banff Avenue, is lined with art galleries, museums, high-end restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 18 May 2025 Year-round festivals and a vibrant arts scene give locals plenty of reasons to get out. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for art
Recent Examples of Synonyms for art
Noun
  • To also prepare for motherhood as a working actress who is dedicated to her craft, Smith enlisted the help and advice of her friends who are also in the entertainment business and who are working mothers.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 11 May 2025
  • Her memoir is a loving ode to the culture embodied by artisans working to preserve their traditional crafts.
    American Booksellers Association, USA Today, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • In this sports competition, athletes on the Red Team and the Blue Team put their physical and mental skills to the test against a series of innovative circuits and challenges.
    Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 8 May 2025
  • However, their skills were often downplayed by claims that they’d been signed to generate ticket sales and boost interest in the struggling league.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • The latter arrangement has floundered amid a trade war with China and was not part of a deal to temporarily bring down tariffs last week.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • Seasonal products Ryan Monarch, assistant professor of economics at Syracuse University, told CNN that seasonal and holiday shopping purchases can’t be delayed for two to three months to wait on the trade war to play out.
    Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • My eyes adjust slowly, taking in vivid murals and shelves filled with colorful handicrafts.
    Iona Brannon, AFAR Media, 6 May 2025
  • With padded walls that resemble the inside out of a Loro Piana jacket, the space exhibits eight avant-garde pieces in natural hues that combine monastic refinement, theatrical play on volumes, and intricate handicrafts.
    Denni Hu, WWD, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Art.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/art. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on art

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