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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 His genius has been obscured by his slow-motion implosion, as Sly became known more for drug addiction and erratic behavior than for his musicianship. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 26 Apr. 2025 But Palpatine's genius is less about those poisonous whispers than his plot to isolate Anakin from his friends. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2025 But Tesla’s stock price is inextricably linked to Musk and his onetime image as Silicon Valley’s greatest living genius. Patrick George, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2025 For the first time, people who have long adored his work finally understood his genius beyond just the writing and creating of great pictures. Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for genius
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genius
Noun
  • Hashing things out with his tech wizard brother-in-law Maury (a shaggy Guy Pearce), Karsh wonders if ecological protesters or religious groups or competitors are upset with his global expansion plans, which include a lava field in Iceland.
    Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
  • In a fantastic fairy kingdom, a young outcast named Lala challenges an oppressive wizard to restore harmony between fairies and humans.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Listen to this article 2 min Kate Middleton demonstrated a hidden talent while on a royal trip to Scotland with her husband, Prince William.
    Elizabeth Stanton, FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Alabama is still Alabama, with plenty of talent on hand and a coach who has won everywhere he’s been.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • However, regardless of his aptitude for the sport, Agassi is unlikely to be pursuing full-time pro status anytime soon.
    Amy Woodyatt, CNN Money, 1 May 2025
  • Prior to his seventh birthday, Prince Louis seemingly showed his own aptitude for photography.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • One of my friends was getting eyelid surgery to address loose skin and look like her younger self.
    Parizaad Khan Sethi, Allure, 2 May 2025
  • Defensively, the Rockets just looked more like their old self.
    Kelly Iko, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Are these conflicting phrases truly what's in the review — or a manifestation of Carmy's (White) anxiety?
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The paradox is that these manifestations, on the contrary, bring Ukraine closer to its common enemy, as in Russia, homophobia is flourishing with incredible force right now.
    Sonya Vseliubska, IndieWire, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • For example, business writers, consider copywriter guru Herschell Gordon Lewis’s insight: Emotion outsells intellect.
    Chris John Amorosino, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Sufi stories rely on metaphor, rhythm, repetition, and lyricism, to penetrate not just the cerebral intellect but the intellect of the heart.
    Sonya Rehman, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • So often during their rise to becoming one of the NHL’s top teams during the past few years, the Florida Panthers have shown a knack for rallying late.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Rakestraw was excellent in training camp last year, showing a knack for the ball, sticky coverage and physicality in the run game.
    Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This vulnerability resides in WebKit, the open-source browser engine that powers Safari, Mail, App Store and other apps on Apple devices.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Genius.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genius. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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