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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun genius differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of genius are aptitude, bent, faculty, gift, knack, and talent. While all these words mean "a special ability for doing something," genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability.

has no great genius for poetry

When is aptitude a more appropriate choice than genius?

The words aptitude and genius are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, aptitude implies a natural liking for some activity and the likelihood of success in it.

a mechanical aptitude

How do bent and aptitude relate to one another, in the sense of genius?

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

a family with an artistic bent

Where would faculty be a reasonable alternative to genius?

While the synonyms faculty and genius are close in meaning, faculty applies to an innate or less often acquired ability for a particular accomplishment or function.

a faculty for remembering names

When would gift be a good substitute for genius?

While in some cases nearly identical to genius, gift often implies special favor by God or nature.

the gift of singing beautifully

When is it sensible to use knack instead of genius?

The meanings of knack and genius largely overlap; however, knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance.

the knack of getting along

When could talent be used to replace genius?

The words talent and genius can be used in similar contexts, but 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 genius And where the meme is far from reality, that doesn’t prevent us from enjoying the MacArthur-worthy genius of Masha Breeze and her parody account Fake Them Headlines. Samantha Allen, Them., 10 Oct. 2025 The next day, Stella’s world flips again when that same man walks into her office—Max Williams, the tech genius behind an AI platform threatening her job. Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 9 Oct. 2025 To some, Aschenbrenner is a rare genius who saw the moment — the coming of humanlike AGI, China’s accelerating AI race, and the vast fortunes awaiting those who move first — more clearly than anyone else. Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025 Robinson has a genius for channeling society’s ambient toxic vibes, in abstract but eerily evocative ways, through his odd alter egos. Judy Berman, Time, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for genius
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genius
Noun
  • Then again, even the fictional boarding school for witches and wizards in the Harry Potter series did not have a production line like Barcelona’s academy.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
  • They’re not confronted with wizards.
    Sara Merican, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Secondly, because of the academy and the talent coming through.
    Rob Tanner, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Kamara’s new venture is being represented by the talent agency New School, which also represents Campbell Addy, Jawara Alleyne and Gareth Wrighton.
    Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Cootes also has demonstrated some solid aptitude in the faceoff circle.
    Thomas Drance, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Her aptitude was unavoidable at the Fendi show, where top models holding desirable handbags, styled with joyful knits, eye-catching dresses and sporty separates, strutted past guests, including actors Hilary Duff, Naomi Watts and Bang Chan of the South Korean boy band Stray Kids.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The team discovered that oxygen can degrade riboflavin when exposed to light, which leads to self-discharge.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Seattle lends itself to delicious satire, with its touching self-belief of being unshakably progressive.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • With themes of resilience, victory, and joy as a healing balm, Joy in the Belly of a Riot is a beautiful manifestation of how poetry has the power to heal and help one overcome pain.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Wednesday’s fourth quarter was a manifestation of their Cinderella story.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Curriculums teach about the laws and governmental acts in place that withheld education and advancement from the enslaved, but skip over the intellect and radical acts Black people achieved anyway.
    Taylor Cassidy, Time, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Know that you are loved in all ways, especially for your wit, intellect, and personality above anything else.
    Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The main attraction in this riff on the Snow White legend is director Tarsem Singh’s splendid knack for surreal, eye-popping imagery; every frame of this fantasy adventure is stunning.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The memory foam has a knack for letting your body melt into the bed, but retains its medium-firm touch.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • With natural, biodegradable, and inexpensive components, such batteries could one day provide an eco-friendly alternative for powering homes or small devices without relying on toxic metals or complex supply chains.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Officials suspect that three explosive devices were dropped in the parking lot.
    Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Genius.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genius. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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