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 Her sophomore novel is a soul-stirring tale of two Black country artists with talent and passion as fiery as their complicated past. Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 24 May 2025 Former The Devil Wears Prada drummer Daniel Williams and talent agent Dave Shapiro were both killed in a fatal plane crash in San Diego on May 22. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 24 May 2025 Detroit’s always had talent—Motown, Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker, Big Sean, and so many more. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 23 May 2025 Either way, landing this pick is their best chance to add another high-level talent to their current core. Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for talent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for talent
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
  • Dior has a knack for creating beauty products with explosive popularity.
    Claire Sullivan, Footwear News, 22 May 2025
  • But Smith, now 20, has a knack for showing up and lighting leagues on fire, having done it back home for North Toronto Nitros in 2022 and then in Portugal.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Every year, teachers help families with Christmas gifts and Thanksgiving dinners, Liggins said.
    Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 May 2025
  • However, invoking this ban now would have been a bad, bad look, not to mention a motivational gift to the league’s most talented team.
    Michael Silver, New York Times, 21 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 current flair up between India and Pakistan has ramifications far beyond Kashmir.
    Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Talent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/talent. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on talent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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