BENT Synonyms: 404 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'bent' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of bent are aptitude , faculty , genius , gift , knack , and talent . While all these words mean "a special ability for doing something," bent is nearly equal to aptitude but it stresses inclination perhaps more than specific ability. // a family with an artistic bent

Q: When would 'aptitude' be a good substitute for 'bent'?

While the synonyms aptitude and bent are close in meaning, aptitude implies a natural liking for some activity and the likelihood of success in it. // a mechanical aptitude

Q: When is 'faculty' a more appropriate choice than 'bent'?

The synonyms faculty and bent are sometimes interchangeable, but faculty applies to an innate or less often acquired ability for a particular accomplishment or function. // a faculty for remembering names

Q: In what contexts can 'genius' take the place of 'bent'?

Although the words genius and bent have much in common, genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability. // has no great genius for poetry

Q: When might 'gift' be a better fit than 'bent'?

The words gift and bent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gift often implies special favor by God or nature. // the gift of singing beautifully

Q: Where would 'knack' be a reasonable alternative to 'bent'?

In some situations, the words knack and bent are roughly equivalent. However, knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance. // the knack of getting along

Q: When is it sensible to use 'talent' instead of 'bent'?

The meanings of talent and bent largely overlap; however, talent suggests a marked natural ability that needs to be developed. // has enough talent to succeed

bent 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of bent next

chiefly British

as in crooked

given to or marked by cheating and deception the drug dealer knew which of the cops were bent

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bent

2 of 3

noun

ˈbent

as in tendency

a habitual attraction to some activity or thing the perfect gift for a person of a literary bent

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as in knack

a special and usually inborn ability having a decided bent for languages, he picked up Italian in no time

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bent

3 of 3

verb

past tense of bend

as in arched

to cause to turn away from a straight line she bent the blade of the knife when she got it jammed in the drawer

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as in devoted

to occupy (oneself) diligently or with close attention bent herself to the task for the rest of the day

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as in aimed

to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal bent all of his efforts toward making his first documentary film

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as in curved

to turn away from a straight line or course the stream bends slightly to the east

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straightened

as in distorted

to change so much as to create a wrong impression or alter the meaning of attorneys bending the facts to put their client in the most favorable light

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as in attached

to cause (something) to hold to another bend a leash to the dog's collar

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How does the noun bent differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of bent are aptitude, faculty, genius, gift, knack, and talent. While all these words mean "a special ability for doing something," bent is nearly equal to aptitude but it stresses inclination perhaps more than specific ability.

a family with an artistic bent

When would aptitude be a good substitute for bent?

While the synonyms aptitude and bent are close in meaning, aptitude implies a natural liking for some activity and the likelihood of success in it.

a mechanical aptitude

When is faculty a more appropriate choice than bent?

The synonyms faculty and bent are sometimes interchangeable, but faculty applies to an innate or less often acquired ability for a particular accomplishment or function.

a faculty for remembering names

In what contexts can genius take the place of bent?

Although the words genius and bent have much in common, genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability.

has no great genius for poetry

When might gift be a better fit than bent?

The words gift and bent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gift often implies special favor by God or nature.

the gift of singing beautifully

Where would knack be a reasonable alternative to bent?

In some situations, the words knack and bent are roughly equivalent. However, knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance.

the knack of getting along

When is it sensible to use talent instead of bent?

The meanings of talent and bent largely overlap; however, 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 bent

Adjective

The top hinge of the heavy, metal door was popped from the frame and the thick door was bent inward at a 45-degree angle. —

Scott Haugen, Outdoor Life, 4 Feb. 2026 The dissonance around Washington has not bent Trump. —

Philip Elliott, Time, 3 Feb. 2026

Noun

The collection encompasses apparel, footwear and accessories with a gender-neutral bent. —

Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026 Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a liberal Democrat with a pragmatist bent, instantly rejected the suggestion that Mamdani represented the new face of the Democratic Party. —

Susan Page, USA Today, 12 Jan. 2026

Verb

One carriage lay on its side, bent around a large concrete pillar, with debris scattered around the area. —

Iain Sullivan, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026 One carriage lay on its side, bent around a large concrete pillar, with bits of debris scattered around the area. —

Dallas Morning News, 19 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bent

Adjective

Ron Leibman and Paul Sand round out their gang, with Zero Mostel as the crooked attorney who serves as a go-between.

— Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
Descend its famously crooked path, flanked by cascading hydrangeas and storybook Edwardian homes—then watch cars zigzag through eight tight switchbacks while tourists crowd the sidewalks, snapping photos of its surreal descent.

— Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

Definition of crooked

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“Bent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bent. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 9 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of bent

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Synonyms of bent

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verb

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