Definition of facultynext
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as in power
a natural ability of the mind or body although they are well into their 80s, the mental faculties of this couple are as sharp as ever

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun faculty differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of faculty are aptitude, bent, genius, gift, knack, and talent. While all these words mean "a special ability for doing something," faculty applies to an innate or less often acquired ability for a particular accomplishment or function.

a faculty for remembering names

When would aptitude be a good substitute for faculty?

The words aptitude and faculty can be used in similar contexts, but aptitude implies a natural liking for some activity and the likelihood of success in it.

a mechanical aptitude

How are the words bent and aptitude related as synonyms of faculty?

Bent is nearly equal to aptitude but it stresses inclination perhaps more than specific ability.

a family with an artistic bent

In what contexts can genius take the place of faculty?

While the synonyms genius and faculty are close in meaning, genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability.

has no great genius for poetry

When could gift be used to replace faculty?

The meanings of gift and faculty largely overlap; however, gift often implies special favor by God or nature.

the gift of singing beautifully

When might knack be a better fit than faculty?

The words knack and faculty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance.

the knack of getting along

When is talent a more appropriate choice than faculty?

Although the words talent and faculty have much in common, 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 faculty Students learned directly from a faculty composed of big league umpires. Katie Woo, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026 Elsewhere in Broward County, robots already made their debut at Nova Southeastern University in Davie last April, where slightly shorter versions — picture chest coolers on six wheels — use DoorDash to pick up and drop off Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s exclusively to hungry students and faculty. Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2026 The school had 136 full and part-time faculty and staff. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026 Strauss, however, continued as faculty emeritus until his death by suicide in 2005. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for faculty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faculty
Noun
  • Food and drink Onsite restaurant L’Escale is just as much a Greenwich institution as the hotel itself—a proper entity conveniently attached at the hip to your lodging for power lunchers in daylight, special-occasion diners in the evening, and a rotating cast of Hopper subjects always at the bar.
    Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Republicans often couched their fury at speech restrictions — around right-wing cultural politics and COVID-19, in particular — as part of a broader critique of corporate power.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The World team was loaded with talent, but NBA scoring leader Luka Doncic and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic both sat out its second game, likely to preserve the health of two superstars who have struggled with injury in the past month.
    Greg Beacham, Twin Cities, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Over the past 10 years, Hüller has built an international reputation as a major talent, most notably in the films Toni Erdmann, The Zone of Interest and Anatomy of a Fall, the latter earning her an Oscar nomination for best actress.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In September, audio emerged of Canada’s Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree, the official responsible for implementing the legislation, questioning the ability of police departments to enforce the buyback.
    Max Saltman, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
  • My work in the Texas Legislature and a Dallas Councilmember equips me with the understanding of how government works and the ability to deliver to my constituents.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Some robots, like Noetix’s Bumi, appeared in comedy sketches to show social interaction capabilities.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Feb. 2026
  • This satellite will provide broadband internet and communications capability for public use facilities in Indonesia’s rural regions.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • His agrarian aptitude makes the man eager to expand.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
  • At the same time, his expertise and aptitude have often elevated the Bulls slightly above expectation for their relatively modest rosters — and guided the development of players like Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu along the way.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • This is important because high internal ionic resistance is a major hurdle to the fast-charging capacity of a lithium-ion battery.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Abron said Smith built private-equity infrastructure, technology platforms and capital engines while deliberately reinvesting in education, workforce development and community capacity building.
    Francine Knowles, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • There is a lot of cleansing, mentally and physically, preparing floral arrangements for home and gifts.
    Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2026
  • The day usually involves special morning prayers, charity, special meals, family visits, gifts and more.
    Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Having hit the ground running with the one-two punch of Promising Young Woman (2020) and Saltburn (2023), Fennell immediately showed a knack for provocation and a willingness to poke social-issue bears, even if the aim-to-grasp ratio tended to fall short.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Martin himself has a knack for reinforcing these caricatures.
    Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Faculty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faculty. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.

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