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 Williams, the steady floor general, has a knack for finding a way to get into the paint to score or dish to shooters. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 17 Sep. 2025 During an acting career lasting more than 60 years, Redford became a Hollywood icon with an uncanny knack for finding the perfect scene partner. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025 Just an unconventional story and a knack for connecting dots—for precise, methodical work that helped create alignment and harmony where others saw chaos. Barbara Wittmann, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 Elsewhere, Smith’s knack for reinvention came alive. Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for knack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knack
Noun
  • Jean’s mama saw through the ruse but misread it.
    David Wright Faladé, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Posing as a door-to-door accountant looking for clients just before noon Thursday, Suresh knocked on several doors to cover up his ruse before arriving at the victim’s house, according to police.
    Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • If our hypothetical hard salary cap comes in, teams could be given a higher budget if a percentage is assigned to homegrown talents.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
  • The 6’1″ and 205-pound passer showcases elite processing, football IQ, and sufficient arm talent.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The iPhone Air also doesn't have any kind of tricks up its sleeve to try to recreate the results from the ultra-wide lens in either the iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Pro.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2025
  • That may come in handy for planning the best trick-or-treating routes in your area.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Bo showed the temperament needed and the aptitude to become a therapy dog.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 28 Sep. 2025
  • As a child, Infiniti showed an interest in and an aptitude for performing.
    Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Genians, which uncovered the fake ID scheme, said this latest case underscores just how much generative AI has changed the game.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The crackdown is part of a broader scheme.
    Lizz Winstead, Time, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Blending style with substance can be a difficult balance to strike, and Kendra Scott does it with Texas flair.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025
  • There is a certain something about an outsized pair of shades that gives a larger-than-life flair to the wearer.
    Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, others confirmed the stream was working for them, suggesting the issue may be regional or device-specific.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
  • In February, BestPlaces, a research firm specializing in quality of life and livability, released a report, conducted in partnership with Medtronic, a global manufacturer of medical devices and healthcare technology.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Jones’ dedication, paired with his physical gifts as a dual-threat QB, convinced the Colts to take a swing on him in free agency.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
  • From cozy home upgrades for fall to viral wellness finds and festive Advent calendars, the season’s top gifts are already trending—and selling fast.
    Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Knack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knack. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on knack

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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