Thesaurus

bent

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

adjective

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chiefly British

Synonyms & Antonyms of bent

(Entry 1 of 3)

given to or marked by cheating and deception

the drug dealer knew which of the cops were bent

Synonyms for bent

Words Related to bent

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Antonyms for bent

bent

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of bent (Entry 2 of 3)

1 a habitual attraction to some activity or thing

the perfect gift for a person of a literary bent

Synonyms for bent

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2 a special and usually inborn ability

having a decided bent for languages, he picked up Italian in no time

Synonyms for bent

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bent

verb

past tense of bend

Synonyms & Antonyms of bent (Entry 3 of 3)

1 to cause to turn away from a straight line

she bent the blade of the knife when she got it jammed in the drawer

Synonyms for bent

Words Related to bent

arced,
rounded

deflected,
diverted

dented,
dimpled

Antonyms for bent

2 to occupy (oneself) diligently or with close attention

bent herself to the task for the rest of the day

Synonyms for bent

Words Related to bent

Phrases Synonymous with bent

Near Antonyms for bent

3 to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal

bent all of his efforts toward making his first documentary film

Synonyms for bent

Words Related to bent

sighted

bore,
faced

Near Antonyms for bent

4 to turn away from a straight line or course

the stream bends slightly to the east

Synonyms for bent

Words Related to bent

deviated,
veered

Antonyms for bent

straightened

5 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

Synonyms for bent

Words Related to bent

mystified,
obscured

Near Antonyms for bent

deciphered

6 to cause (something) to hold to another

bend a leash to the dog's collar

Synonyms for bent

Words Related to bent

Near Antonyms for bent

loosed,
loosened

Antonyms for bent

Frequently Asked Questions About bent

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