Synonyms of penmanship

penmanship

noun

ˈpen-mən-ˌship 

1

as in handwriting

the form or style of a particular person's writing

doctors are famous for their illegible penmanship

Synonyms & Similar Words

• handwriting
• script
• hand
• scribble
• scrawl
• cursive
• copperplate
• print
• signature
• scratch
• autograph
• backhand
• cacography
• hen scratch
• hen track
• John Hancock
• John Henry
• running hand

2

as in calligraphy

writing done by hand

the students spend far more time honing their computer skills than they do improving their penmanship

Synonyms & Similar Words

• handwriting
• calligraphy
• manuscript
• longhand
• lettering
• script
• stenography
• shorthand
• steno
• phonography

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• type
• print
• typewriting

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of penmanship

For one project, Gentry combined penmanship samples from her family members to invent a unique font for a fictional restaurant’s branding. — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 7 June 2026

The highest enrollment was likely in 1909, with some 90 students studying bookkeeping, telegraphy, penmanship, math and English. — Arkansas Online, 23 Apr. 2026

Cursive Academy, founded by husband and wife Terrell and Chelsea Whittington, earned its nonprofit status in November 2025 and partners with organizations, companies and individuals to resurrect the art of penmanship. — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026

The penmanship alone—careful and deliberate—signals the intentionality behind every detail. — Essence, 25 Jan. 2026