Synonym Chooser

How does the noun talent differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of talent are aptitude, bent, faculty, genius, gift, and knack. While all these words mean "a special ability for doing something," talent suggests a marked natural ability that needs to be developed.

has enough talent to succeed

In what contexts can aptitude take the place of talent?

In some situations, the words aptitude and talent are roughly equivalent. However, aptitude implies a natural liking for some activity and the likelihood of success in it.

a mechanical aptitude

How are the words bent and aptitude related as synonyms of talent?

Bent is nearly equal to aptitude but it stresses inclination perhaps more than specific ability.

a family with an artistic bent

When might faculty be a better fit than talent?

The synonyms faculty and talent are sometimes interchangeable, but faculty applies to an innate or less often acquired ability for a particular accomplishment or function.

a faculty for remembering names

When could genius be used to replace talent?

The words genius and talent can be used in similar contexts, but genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability.

has no great genius for poetry

Where would gift be a reasonable alternative to talent?

The words gift and talent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gift often implies special favor by God or nature.

the gift of singing beautifully

When can knack be used instead of talent?

While in some cases nearly identical to talent, knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance.

the knack of getting along

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 talent The deal brings, from day one, a roster of IPs in active development with top-tier creative talent, along with several initiatives in the field of innovation applied to the film and TV sector. Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025 Fillmore Auditorium/The Ogden Theatre Further west on East Colfax — but still in the path of the East Colfax BRT project — are two other stages drawing major talent to Denver. Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2025 The Jets’ top-end defensive talent—star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, star linebacker Quincy Williams and star cornerback Sauce Gardner—gives them a chance to win any game. David Wilson, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2025 Locally, the 100-man JC rosters are a who’s who of regional and Northern California talent. Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for talent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for talent
Noun
  • The Chiefs have an aptitude problem.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 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
  • Science has a knack for giving us answers, but sometimes its best trick is leaving us with better questions.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
  • His knack for being able to disappear and resurface with a whole new identity led authorities to dub him the Chameleon Killer.
    KC Baker, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • These annual gifts can also reduce the size of your taxable estate, saving more of your lifetime exemption for future inheritances.
    Nathalie Goldstein, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Every September and December, Broadbelt would stuff barrels with care packages, gifts and school supplies to send back to Jamaica.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The woodwinds dash in for a moment before the violin arrives, leaping across scales before the orchestra returns with a celebratory flair.
    Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The new song is a riveting fusion of house, bomba and plena — a continuation of the superstar’s tropical flair.
    Griselda Flores, Billboard, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Talent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/talent. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on talent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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