gift 1 of 2

Definition of giftnext

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
Larry Larson’s colleagues admired him for his many gifts. Jim Farmer, AJC.com, 2 June 2026 With Williams’ natural gifts in extending plays, the Bears have prioritized their efforts to improve their scramble drill production in 2026. Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 1 June 2026
Verb
Of course, his parents also gifted him the classics. Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 1 June 2026 Please feel free to visit our online shop, and consider gifting a library card to a friend, or support us directly by hitting the donate button. CBS News, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for gift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gift
Noun
  • The Bee reviewed Vang’s local filings dating back to her initial election in 2020, which showed that her campaign donated $9,000 between 2023 and 2025 to Sacramento nonprofit Gifts To Share, which allows people to earmark donations to the Heart and Hustle Scholarship via its website.
    Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026
  • Their donations to elect like-minded officials has led to a rapid growth of states with new or expanded voucher plans, including Texas and New Hampshire.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • But when held up against the pantheon of medal-winning talent on the 45-strong entry list, Bucci’s was unlikely to be the name a punter would put forward as the winner.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 31 May 2026
  • That aging ensemble bursts with talent — so much so that its writers don’t mind killing off the occasional gramps or gran.
    Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • Timothée Chalamet stays blessed.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 29 May 2026
  • Prior to the meeting, dancers in Indigenous garments blessed organizers and local students, who led a procession from the nearby Alum Rock Youth Center on White Road to the district’s offices around the corner.
    Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Harry also gifted Meghan a bronze sculpture of two penguins, making for a meaningful present as bronze is a symbol of strength for eighth wedding anniversaries, and the animals are part of a sweet memory.
    Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
  • Gobler’s research found concerning levels of vibrio present in Sagaponack Pond, Mecox Bay, and Georgica Pond—which border some of the swankiest neighborhoods of the East Coast’s toniest enclave—but none are currently closed.
    Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • Southlake Carroll has a knack for producing elite wide receivers, and TCU is prioritizing the Dragons’ next possible star, Brody Knowles.
    Steven Johnson June 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026
  • Thibs, as he is called, is a lovable grump and an enjoyable sideline presence who had a knack for wringing great, gritty performances out of his team of questing try-hards.
    Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • Rick is tightly scheduled, punctilious to a fault, endowed with verbal wit that gently but firmly shapes and smooths social interactions.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 29 May 2026
  • Evolution has therefore endowed these sites with an incredibly high capacity for regeneration.
    Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Other than changes to the schedule, purse sizes and some benefits to the players, the presentation of a PGA Tour tournament is unchanged.
    Mac Engel May 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 May 2026
  • Emma Stone is all smiles at the Artestar presentation celebrating the Keith Haring x Louis Vuitton Cruise 2027 runway collection in New York City on May 29.
    People Staff, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • During the regular season, both were among the top seven NBA teams by defensive rating, and the Knicks particularly improved by that defensive aptitude as the season went on.
    John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
  • Even if he was blown away by the aptitude of every member of a front office that has been here for the 22-45-1 run under Schoen, it still was expected that Harbaugh would bring in someone with ties to him from Baltimore.
    Dan Duggan, New York Times, 21 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gift. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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