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
The most genuinely useful Father's Day gift isn't a one-time cleanup. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026 Scott McTominay was not always such a gift. Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 16 June 2026
Verb
Bethenny Frankel celebrated her daughter Bryn's 16th birthday by gifting her a pink car. Hannah Malach, InStyle, 9 June 2026 Not the one that gifted Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. Cam Inman, Mercury News, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for gift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gift
Noun
  • Readers' donations grant their wishes and additional money raised helps many more families in the region.
    Jackie Borchardt, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Dec. 2025
  • His left kidney, heart, lungs and both corneas were recovered for donation.
    Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 11 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • In his role, Mizrahi will serve as an advisor across Target’s in-house design teams, mentor young talent, and also play a role in storytelling and marketing for the retailer.
    Hilary Milnes, Vogue, 15 June 2026
  • Kamada said the talent and experience of his teammates helped Japan avoid being discouraged after falling behind for a second time.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 June 2026
Verb
  • Although their home was destroyed and the family is now living in an Airbnb, Raky says they've been blessed with an outpouring of support.
    David Chiu, PEOPLE, 10 Dec. 2025
  • Their time is blessed, and their thirst for knowledge is something everyone must submit to.
    Francesco Pacifico, The Dial, 9 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • As opposed to tragedy’s narrative arc of historical fate, tragicomedy unfolds in an infinite present.
    Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 14 June 2026
  • Harry wrote that along with Middleton thinking Markle had wanted her fashion contacts and friction over bridesmaids’ dresses at the Sussexes’ wedding, Middleton and William were also miffed that Markle and Harry hadn’t given them Easter presents.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • Now, Musiala is 23 and one of the best young players in the world, an attacking midfielder who’s a magician with the ball at his feet, who also has a knack for finding the back of the net.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 June 2026
  • More than any other character he’s created, Stallone has an uncanny knack for knowing what makes Rocky, and the characters that orbit him, really tick.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 5 June 2026
Verb
  • Ngai acknowleged the company’s long history–including how the company endowed Sun Yat-sen, who later led the 1911 revolution against the Qing dynasty, with a medical scolarship–yet argued that AS Watson had to remain forward-thinking.
    Angelica Ang, Fortune, 19 Nov. 2025
  • The solar system is far more richly endowed by resources than everyday experience might suggest.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • According to the British Army, the ceremonial presentation of the military's colours is believed to have first been performed during the reign of King Charles II, who ruled from 1660 to 1685.
    Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026
  • The ThinkBook 16 is Lenovo's larger-screen option for creative professionals who need the display real estate for presentations or graphs where the numbers go really high.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • But while Josh is a magnet for easy jabs about NPR tote bags and Sierra Club memberships, there’s almost nothing in his storylines to suggest an aptitude for or even interest in the work of actual journalism.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 2 June 2026
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Gift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gift. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

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