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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun genius differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of genius are aptitude, bent, faculty, gift, knack, and talent. While all these words mean "a special ability for doing something," genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability.

has no great genius for poetry

When is aptitude a more appropriate choice than genius?

The words aptitude and genius are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, aptitude implies a natural liking for some activity and the likelihood of success in it.

a mechanical aptitude

How do bent and aptitude relate to one another, in the sense of genius?

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

a family with an artistic bent

Where would faculty be a reasonable alternative to genius?

While the synonyms faculty and genius are close in meaning, faculty applies to an innate or less often acquired ability for a particular accomplishment or function.

a faculty for remembering names

When would gift be a good substitute for genius?

While in some cases nearly identical to genius, gift often implies special favor by God or nature.

the gift of singing beautifully

When is it sensible to use knack instead of genius?

The meanings of knack and genius largely overlap; however, knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance.

the knack of getting along

When could talent be used to replace genius?

The words talent and genius can be used in similar contexts, but 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 genius But the Academy doesn’t always reward genius in its time. Megan McCluskey, TIME, 23 Jan. 2025 Many of those same decisions Kerr made didn’t look as genius as Golden State’s jumpers clanked and Sacramento turned the game into a track meet. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2025 Bex, just the latest in a string of Clarice Starling-esque investigators whose genius stems from unremarkable trauma, has a dark secret. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Jan. 2025 Compound returns will continue to reveal their eighth wonder genius, while Social Security will become morph into a late-in-life retirement supplement instead of a national retirement plan. John Tamny, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for genius 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genius
Noun
  • Ichiro Suzuki, a wizard of sport and style, nearly cleared both yesterday.
    Chris Branch, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Or a witch or wizard standing over a cauldron concocting life-altering potions.
    Simone Milasas, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Dexter Lawrence, although an excellent individual talent, didn’t have the ability to fill Barkley’s shoes.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Durant, from a talent and production standpoint alone, is more than deserving.
    Zach Harper, The Athletic, 24 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
  • But once the horse was returned to Joseph last summer, the horse blossomed back to his old self.
    Clark Spencer, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
  • In other words, the Ali that takes over for a while is the embodiment of his worst self.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This is all a manifestation of what economists call the price elasticity of demand.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Harness this energy for creativity and manifestation.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Franklin’s Pragmatic Idealism: Impact Over Ideology Franklin’s brilliance was not only in his intellect but in his ability to turn ideas into real-world solutions.
    Michael Sheldrick, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Reeder’s a smallish winger (5-foot-10, 170 pounds) who relies on his on-ice intellect to navigate the ice, play off his linemates, find pockets of space and distribute.
    Scott Wheeler, The Athletic, 14 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
Noun
  • Just in time for Christmas, certain members of Congress are hard at work in their policy shops, fashioning a massive lump of cybersecurity coal with which to gift American users of electronic devices.
    David Williams, National Review, 26 Dec. 2024
  • The ability to use these features across multiple Apple devices ensures continuity and accessibility in various situations, from phone calls to in-person conversations.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 26 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Genius.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genius. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on genius

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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