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 Photo: Paramount Pictures/Everett Collection From Burroughs to Ballard to DeLillo, Cronenberg has an uncanny knack for adapting supposedly unadaptable novelists. A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025 So often during their rise to becoming one of the NHL’s top teams during the past few years, the Florida Panthers have shown a knack for rallying late. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025 Michelle Gage Interiors has a knack for breathing new life into historic homes, including a 1787 farmhouse in New Jersey and an 1800s town house in Rittenhouse Square. Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2025 Rakestraw was excellent in training camp last year, showing a knack for the ball, sticky coverage and physicality in the run game. Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for knack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knack
Noun
  • Can Charity, who is not exactly mentally stable, maintain the ruse forever?
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 2 May 2025
  • Despite multiple interviews, background checks, and reference calls, the ruse held until malware activity triggered an alert.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • For international film journalists, the festival is an opportunity to see and discuss these films and, in that context, interview these talents.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2025
  • The literary character and his team combine their talents to investigate the root causes of patients' dilemmas, with each episode mixing medical and mystery.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • Rea allowed one run over 5 1/3 innings, improving to 4-0 with another no-flash performance that did the trick.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025
  • Label tricks, regional cues and color considerations for better picking at the wine shop.
    Rachel King, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Judging by the untended blisters on his knuckles and palms, however, Enzo doesn’t show much aptitude for it — to the extent that his supervisor drives the boy home one day to speak with his parents, surprised to discover that Enzo lives in a posh home with ocean views and a private pool.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 May 2025
  • Hiring focuses on ability and aptitude, in companies that are focused on growth.
    Chris Westfall, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • In 2021 and 2022, Robinson received about $76,000 through the bogus billing scheme, according to prosecutors.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025
  • Hometown’s stock price rose by more than 900% during the scheme.
    Dan Mangan, CNBC, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Lefty did it with trademark flair: Sandwiched among birdies at 11, 13 and 14, Mickelson needed four shots to get out of a greenside bunker at the 12th hole.
    Justin Ray, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • The Better Homes & Gardens Stripe Chambray Quilt from our collection at Walmart will keep you cool all summer long while adding a dose of coastal grandma flair to your home.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • The highest tier, which is $20.99 a month, includes the ability to stream on four devices and offers 4K Ultra HD video quality and 100 downloads.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • After Cecilie reported Oscar, the police went to the Hoffmanns' house to seize the devices Oscar had access to.
    Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • The most popular gift categories remain flowers, greeting cards and special outings such as dinner or brunch.
    Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • For Mother's Day, Tory Burch is offering two gift sets to celebrate the matriarch in your life.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Knack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knack. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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