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 His peers commend his talent for unpicking dense regulatory issues, while clients depend on his knack for forecasting industry shifts. Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 10 June 2025 In its brief history, the Genesis reputation includes its knack for quiet rides. James Raia, Mercury News, 9 June 2025 For Trump, a man who has always had a knack for drawing a crowd, stablecoins are easy money. Dan Alexander, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 Just kind of always had a knack for it, if that makes sense. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for knack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knack
Noun
  • The police investigation that followed included surveillance and a ruse where investigators answered local prostitution ads and were directed to the home.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 16 June 2025
  • But this ruse is like the broader trans movement itself, which obliges you to deny the evidence dangling before your own eyes.
    The Editors, National Review, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • Beyond his talent, Jake is a great teammate and leader.
    Noah Perkins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025
  • Endeavor was taken private earlier this year in a $25 billion deal with private-equity firm Silver Lake; Endeavor Group is the parent of talent agency giant WME Group.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • This isn't the first time the former Sports Illustrated model has shared parenting tips and tricks.
    Clare Fisher, People.com, 23 June 2025
  • The magic trick is that Sunny gradually learned how to distinguish its POV from the characters’, showing empathy not only for the Gang’s victims, but also the Gang itself.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • The ‘lucky’ question Jeff Bezos always asked interviewees at Amazon Attitude has long been as important as aptitude at Amazon.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 June 2025
  • Girard’s size, and the idea that Colorado is a small-ish team that needs more grit and defensive aptitude in the playoffs, also lead people back to him as a trade candidate.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • That will start with sharpening his knowledge of Kelly’s scheme.
    Tashan Reed, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • While Google displays only the scheme and host name of the site the ad links to (for instance, https://www.microsoft.com), the ad appends parameters to the path to the right of that address.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • This look also continues a growing motif in the rapper’s fashion trajectory: collectible, referential shoes that fuse fashion history with pop culture flair.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 22 June 2025
  • Sixteen new boutique homes in a residential suburb of Sacramento are turning heads for more reasons than their contemporary flair.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • While the price tag on the devices is modest, a tariff will add to it, and the group is looking to scale aggressively in a short period of time.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 20 June 2025
  • That device will operate similarly to the Meta product but better synchronize with the rest of the Apple ecosystem.
    Ani Freedman, Fortune, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • Consumers are increasingly seeking jewelry that reflects their personal identity, style, and emotional connection, whether for themselves or as gifts for loved ones.
    Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Watching the Miracle on the Hudson landing Terry Billings received tickets as a Father’s Day gift from his son and daughter-in-law.
    Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Knack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knack. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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