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as in power
a natural ability of the mind or body although they are well into their 80s, the mental faculties of this couple are as sharp as ever

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the noun faculty differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of faculty are aptitude, bent, genius, gift, knack, and talent. While all these words mean "a special ability for doing something," faculty applies to an innate or less often acquired ability for a particular accomplishment or function.

a faculty for remembering names

When would aptitude be a good substitute for faculty?

The words aptitude and faculty can be used in similar contexts, but 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 faculty?

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

a family with an artistic bent

In what contexts can genius take the place of faculty?

While the synonyms genius and faculty are close in meaning, genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability.

has no great genius for poetry

When could gift be used to replace faculty?

The meanings of gift and faculty largely overlap; however, gift often implies special favor by God or nature.

the gift of singing beautifully

When might knack be a better fit than faculty?

The words knack and faculty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance.

the knack of getting along

When is talent a more appropriate choice than faculty?

Although the words talent and faculty have much in common, 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 faculty Rivera has a doctorate degree in sociology from UC Riverside and is an adjunct faculty professor in the Department of Sociology at Cal State San Marcos. Roberto Rivera, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025 In Yinchuan, a city in northwestern China, police officers investigated whether there were any incidents of bullying or disputes between faculty or students, according to a news release. Vivian Wang, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025 Academic leadership, faculty and students in the U.S. are asking essential questions about solidarity, free speech, protecting group and individual rights, and their role in striving for a better future. Ayala Hendin, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2025 And when Palmer was offered a residency at Bard College, Gaiman tagged along to give some talks, then ended up receiving an offer to join the faculty as a professor of the arts. Lila Shapiro, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for faculty 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faculty
Noun
  • The reformers driving this movement believed in human progress, scientific management, the use of government power for the public good, and replacing political patronage with the hiring of experts.
    Johnathan K Williams / Made by History, TIME, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Besides in electric and hybrid vehicles, lithium-ion batteries can be found in personal electronics, vaping devices, power tools and home energy storage systems, which have become increasingly popular during California's power outages.
    Danielle Wallace, Fox News, 30 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The combination of experienced talent leaving and difficulties attracting new professionals creates a pressing need for technological solutions to maintain operational capacity.
    Shivangi Khurania, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Hurts won’t make the same mistakes — Philadelphia likely won’t give him many chances — and the Eagles’ defense should perform far better than the Lions’ unit, which lacked healthy top-end talent by season’s end.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Butler’s ability to anticipate societal challenges has long been a hallmark of her work.
    Melissa Noel, Essence, 23 Jan. 2025
  • And research suggests a variety of explanations could explain that link, including exercise’s effect on levels of hormones like estrogen and insulin that influence some cancers, as well as its ability to ramp up the activity of some immune cells and keep inflammation at bay.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, runway photography will also be taken on iPhones, as will close-ups using the telephoto capabilities.
    Lily Templeton, WWD, 19 Jan. 2025
  • As a result of these capabilities, VPNs are frequently used in attempts to get around digital geolocation restrictions, like those on Netflix or other streaming platforms.
    Lily Hay Newman, WIRED, 19 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman became the first Black coach to reach the championship game, an overdue development reflective of circumstances, opportunity and Freeman’s own aptitude.
    Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2025
  • This soldier’s already showing plenty of aptitude for the spy lifestyle.
    Andy Andersen, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Classroom capacities, historical trends and demographic shifts all can change the makeup of a school’s student population.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2025
  • On the flip side, the shoulders have an incredible capacity for multiplanar function, offering a great deal of flexibility and range of motion.
    Matt Parrott, arkansasonline.com, 26 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • We have been treated very badly from this foolish gift that should have never been made, and Panama's promise to us has been broken.
    Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Gift cards and gift baskets have been donated by local businesses and organizations.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Cecile had a knack for turning attacks into opportunities.
    Ilyse Hogue, TIME, 21 Jan. 2025
  • He’s got a knack for hitting holes in the net, frequently beating goalies low-blocker and five-hole.
    Scott Wheeler, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near faculty

Cite this Entry

“Faculty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faculty. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

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