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
Tymura said she was shocked when Borowski offered the business to her daughter as a gift. Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026 The same is true for those who incurred penalties for filing late foreign information tax forms, such as for international assets, gifts, or trusts. Connor Greene, Time, 8 July 2026
Verb
As for Freese, he’ll be remembered for the gaffe that gifted Belgium its third goal, but the position is a complete toss-up going forward. Tom Bogert, New York Times, 9 July 2026 That changed when the Philadelphia Union unexpectedly gifted her tickets just one day before the match, leaving her less than 24 hours to plan the surprise. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for gift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gift
Noun
  • The study surveyed blood donations for the disease’s key antibody, which is in a class dubbed IgE and specifically attacks a double-sugar molecule called galactose-α-1,3-galactose, also known as alpha-gal.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 7 July 2026
  • London — Nigel Farage, leader of the populist right-wing Reform UK party, has resigned from parliament and will stand for his seat again in a special election, amid mounting controversy over financial donations.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
Noun
  • This systematic approach, including proactive diaspora talent identification and a uniform coaching philosophy across all age groups, has yielded consistent results, including a U20 World Cup win.
    Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • Influencers under Kyle Hjelmeseth’s talent management firm build their Instagram presence on lived experience.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • Penned in partnership with Vallicelli Design studio, the newcomer is blessed with Pershing’s sporty DNA, combining a clean, contemporary silhouette with impressive performance specs.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 July 2026
  • Paramount’s statement on Wednesday noted that regulators in numerous countries have already blessed the WBD deal.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • That philosophy may prove particularly valuable over the next two years as veterans and emerging stars compete for roster spots on a team that believes playing at home presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
    Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • Over a short seven days, the Lakers confronted their past, welcomed their present and got a glimpse at their future.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Noun
  • This will help create more space for decor or other knick-knacks around your home and will give you peace of mind for having all of your mail in one place.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, The Spruce, 10 July 2026
  • The Arsenal man has a knack for scoring late goals and he’s done so again here, capitalising on the chance presented to him when Lammens let Pau Cubarsi’s shot slip from his grip.
    Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • Official liberalism had long been almost inextricably identified with a picture of man as perfectible, as endowed with sufficient wisdom and selflessness to endure power and to use it infallibly for the general good.
    David Brooks, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
  • He is endowed with the gift of making his characters seem not only credible but desirable, approachable, and human, thanks to his undeniable charm.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • The documentary — filmed on Santa Barbara Island, one of the Channel Islands — will be screened July 15 in a special Pride Week presentation by the San Diego Natural History Museum and the San Diego Bird Alliance.
    Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2026
  • There was a presentation by Jerren Chang, President and CEO of Partners in Democracy.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Noun
  • King contrasted the country’s technological expertise with its moral aptitude.
    Dawn M. Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • But his energy and aptitude on the boards looked to be in midseason form.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 4 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gift. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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