gift 1 of 2

gift

2 of 2

verb

as in to bless
to furnish freely or naturally with some power, quality, or attribute gifted with an uncanny ability to persuade people to do things they ordinarily wouldn't

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun gift differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of gift are aptitude, bent, faculty, genius, knack, and talent. While all these words mean "a special ability for doing something," gift often implies special favor by God or nature.

the gift of singing beautifully

When can aptitude be used instead of gift?

The words aptitude and gift 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 do bent and aptitude relate to one another, in the sense of gift?

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 gift?

In some situations, the words faculty and gift are roughly equivalent. However, faculty applies to an innate or less often acquired ability for a particular accomplishment or function.

a faculty for remembering names

When could genius be used to replace gift?

The meanings of genius and gift largely overlap; however, genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability.

has no great genius for poetry

When would knack be a good substitute for gift?

Although the words knack and gift have much in common, knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance.

the knack of getting along

In what contexts can talent take the place of gift?

The synonyms talent and gift are sometimes interchangeable, 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 gift
Noun
Kendall's dog Louis and Kylie's dog Vuitton The two youngest sisters named their dogs Louis and Vuitton in honor of the famous designer Louis Vuitton after receiving them as a Christmas gift in 2011. Sydni Ellis, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025 When institutions live these truths, public trust will follow, not as a gift, but as a recognition of moral fidelity. MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
Consider gifting the Barbour Harray Beanie from Nordstrom. Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 22 Oct. 2025 YoungBoy Never Broke Again‘s wife, Jazlyn Mychelle, gifted her husband a very unique chain in celebration of his 26th birthday. Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gift
Noun
  • Federal investigation reveals wide criminal net Browse the website of Chen’s Prince Group, and the company’s public image is one of charitable endeavors, business accolades and awards for corporate social responsibility initiatives, large donations to anti-Covid efforts, and education programs.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Preservation efforts succeeded in the 1990s, with the establishment of the Falls of the Ohio State Park and the millions of dollars raised from private donations and public funds.
    Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Browns clearly need help at the wide receiver position, but Gabriel's arm talent has not stuck out much.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The supermodel sisters have been very vocal about Mohamed's culinary talents.
    Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • And if you’re blessed enough to receive an inheritance abroad, don’t celebrate too quickly.
    Essence, Essence, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Onward and upward The unpleasantly steep hills that I'm blessed with between my home and the city often proved too much for the hub motor.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Per the synopsis, A PAW Patrol Christmas sees PAW Patrol member Rubble looking forward to Santa bringing him a new laser drill, but finding that Santa has come down with a cold and can’t deliver any presents.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Back on the mainland, the charming beach town of Ventura strikes a balance between its maritime past and modern present.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The tall, elegant arches house a variety of books and knick-knacks.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2025
  • However, West Virginia’s defense has a knack for forcing turnovers.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • James said the law and court precedent don’t support Sanders’ arguments, stating the authority the governor is asserting has been endowed on her office through laws passed by the General Assembly, so that power could never be absolute like the governor claimed.
    John Lynch, Arkansas Online, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Chinese leader Xi Jinping and the junta chief Min Aung Hlaing met in Moscow in May to discuss cooperation, endowing the junta with an air of global legitimacy.
    Dan Swift, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Following the presentations, local industry partners and the churches were encouraged to network and connect for the future phases of each project.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025
  • For hosts aiming to create an authentic coffeehouse vibe, presentation matters.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Mount’s defensive aptitude proved important in keeping United compact throughout, regularly dropping into vacant spaces to slow down any nascent attacks.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 19 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gift. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on gift

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!