knack

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun knack differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of knack are aptitude, bent, faculty, genius, gift, and talent. While all these words mean "a special ability for doing something," knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance.

the knack of getting along

When can aptitude be used instead of knack?

While in some cases nearly identical to knack, 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 knack?

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 knack?

In some situations, the words faculty and knack 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

In what contexts can genius take the place of knack?

Although the words genius and knack have much in common, genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability.

has no great genius for poetry

When is it sensible to use gift instead of knack?

The synonyms gift and knack are sometimes interchangeable, but gift often implies special favor by God or nature.

the gift of singing beautifully

When could talent be used to replace knack?

The words talent and knack can be used in similar contexts, 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 knack In High Potential, Olson stars as a single mother with an unconventional knack for solving crimes, alongside Sunjata, Javicia Leslie (Daphne Forrester), Deniz Akdeniz (Oz), Amirah J (Ava Gillroy), Matthew Lamb (Elliot Radovic) and Judy Reyes (Selena Soto). Denise Petski, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025 Inspired by Venice with influences from Piedmont and Sicily, the native region of Panfilio’s grandmother, recipes are based on produce sourced around the lagoon, ranging from fine seafood to fresh veggies, which the chef has a knack for. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025 Mere knick-knacks, which have all disappeared with the vicissitudes of years. Adam Verner september 3, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025 With TikTok-ready hooks and a knack for personalized lyrics that ride the rollercoaster of youthful romance, the 22-year-old Canadian singer-songwriter-dancer has planted herself into the thick of the pop conversation. Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for knack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knack
Noun
  • Today’s shortsighted, sellout city politicians are killing the golden goose under the ruse that affordable housing is the be-all and the end-all of life in San Diego.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The agent, keeping up the ruse, continued to push her on the phone for several minutes.
    Lauren del Valle, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Leeds are tipped to survive the drop after adding Premier League experience and European talent to their ranks.
    Jack Bantock, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Bhutia is part of India's digital growth story that is creating entrepreneurs, drawing investments, and attracting global tech giants, fueled in large part by a gigantic talent pool and tech userbase.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • So is a certain pride in what one is able to get away with, the thrill of learning new tricks and showing them off.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025
  • The trick, according to Brooks, is to think like an entrepreneur and treat your life like a startup.
    Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Herbert’s top-10 aptitude would’ve exposed Olave to fewer dangerous hits.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
  • This leads him to discover an unexpected aptitude for cracking safes, turning his life upside down.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Paul looks the part and Savaiinaea has the footwork and athleticism needed to thrive in this zone-blocking scheme.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Park’s character in Confidence Queen Park sets one clever trap after another, fitting each scheme into a larger puzzle.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Finish it off with a silk scarf around your neck, your ponytail, or your work bag to add some flair.
    Amber Cardullo, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Deutsche Küche Apple Frangipane Tarts For an elegant dessert option, the $4 Deutsche Küche Apple Frangipane Tarts bring a European flair to the table.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Some analysts are forecasting the company to raise prices on its devices even after all Cook has done to avoid the worst of the tariffs.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
  • In my limited time with the device, the screen was easy to see indoors, but it got washed out in direct sunlight.
    Iyaz Akhtar, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This expansion is made possible through a lead gift from the Maguire Foundation.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Another is Jacquemus’ signature and handwritten elements, appearing both on the gift box and on the white linen draped around bottles.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Knack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knack. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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