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

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
This particular honor, by SocialMiami, naming Wertheim as its Philanthropist of the Year, was in recognition of the $10 million gift she and her then-husband made in 2013 to Florida International University to create the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences. Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026 What started as a surprise gift of one tiny pig in 2018 has grown into a household of six rescue pigs for a Kansas City, Kansas, couple. Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
Consider gifting your old kitchen items to a friend or disposing of them safely. Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 25 Apr. 2026 In the penguin world, the ultimate romantic gesture is gifting the perfect pebble. Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gift
Noun
  • The voting was donation-based, meaning every vote also served as a direct contribution to conservation efforts for the species.
    Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Some residents at the April 16 meeting posited that the Park District’s controversial donation pact with billionaire resident Justin Ishbia played a role in the dog beach designs.
    Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Many of DeCosta’s peers revere his talent-evaluation skills, roster-building approach and intensity.
    Michael Silver, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Hamilton, who graduated in 2001 and played 10 years in the NHL with Chicago, Toronto and Carolina, has been developing amateur talent as co-owner of the Connecticut Junior Rangers.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Medical science has blessed our generation with an abundance of preventive methods — including vaccines — and treatments that enable a far greater percentage of us to live longer and healthier lives than our forebears.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Byrne's parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2019 at Holy Name Cathedral, blessed by Cardinal Blase Cupich.
    Suzanne Le Mignot, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Simon Edvinsson Edvinsson is a key piece of the Red Wings’ present and future.
    Max Bultman, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • There was no comedian present (there was, however, a mentalist) for this year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner, but that didn’t stop Jimmy Kimmel from presenting his alternative version of what his WHCD monologue might look like on his Thursday, April 23, show.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky had a knack for taking his characters on journeys that change them beyond recognition.
    Big Think, Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Ian does his best to make the most of his time with his son, but the single father has a knack for complicating things.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Now, Rales has stepped up with an additional $116 million donation to endow Across the Nation in perpetuity.
    Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
  • After being injected with a mysterious serum, Gabriel is endowed with unprecedented abilities.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Use this cosmic energy to update your physical presentation, whether that be your hair, nails, wardrobe, or beyond.
    Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026
  • There was a presentation of colors by the United States Armed Forces Color Guard.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Few Democrats in the party's 2028 presidential sights have an opportunity to demonstrate political strength and party-building aptitude in swing states.
    CBS News, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026
  • So does discipline, defensive aptitude and goaltending.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gift. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on gift

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster