TALENT Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

talent

noun

ˈta-lənt

Definition of talent next

as in aptitude

a special and usually inborn ability Liza's musical talent was already apparent by the time she was five a talent for coming up with really funny answers to stupid questions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Examples 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 Stefanovic didn’t need to play a starring role given the abundance of talent around him. —

Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024 Every new Gaga single from The Fame hit with force, every new music video created an eye-popping ecosystem, every awards performance became must-see TV – and the artist in the eye of the hurricane started to look like a generational talent. —

Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2024 The other, Laetitia Lopez, came out of Paris' renowned fashion houses with a talent for designing purses, luggage, jewelry and furniture. —

Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, 5 Nov. 2024 Lim said that production and creative talent should expand their range of co-operation. —

Patrick Frater, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for talent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for talent

Noun

Trump has never shown much of an aptitude for the nuances of crypto, but he’s welcomed the industry’s financial support.

MacKenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
Paul Rudd was a wonderful choice for Ben Glenroy, a movie star who dabbled in franchise tentpoles but came alive due to Rudd’s comedic aptitude.

Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2024