KNACK Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'knack' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of knack are aptitude , bent , faculty , genius , gift , and talent . While all these words mean "a special ability for doing something," knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance. // the knack of getting along

Q: When can 'aptitude' be used instead of 'knack'?

While in some cases nearly identical to knack , aptitude implies a natural liking for some activity and the likelihood of success in it. // a mechanical aptitude

Q: How do 'bent' and 'aptitude' relate to one another, in the sense of 'knack'?

Bent is nearly equal to aptitude but it stresses inclination perhaps more than specific ability. // a family with an artistic bent

Q: Where would 'faculty' be a reasonable alternative to 'knack'?

In some situations, the words faculty and knack are roughly equivalent. However, faculty applies to an innate or less often acquired ability for a particular accomplishment or function. // a faculty for remembering names

Q: In what contexts can 'genius' take the place of 'knack'?

Although the words genius and knack have much in common, genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability. // has no great genius for poetry

Q: When is it sensible to use 'gift' instead of 'knack'?

The synonyms gift and knack are sometimes interchangeable, but gift often implies special favor by God or nature. // the gift of singing beautifully

Q: When could 'talent' be used to replace 'knack'?

The words talent and knack can be used in similar contexts, but talent suggests a marked natural ability that needs to be developed. // has enough talent to succeed

knack

noun

ˈnak

Definition of knack next

as in ruse

a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end tried every knack I knew to get him to spill the beans

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as in talent

a special and usually inborn ability a jazz musician with an incredible knack for improvisation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the noun knack differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of knack are aptitude, bent, faculty, genius, gift, and talent. While all these words mean "a special ability for doing something," knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance.

the knack of getting along

When can aptitude be used instead of knack?

While in some cases nearly identical to knack, 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 knack?

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 knack?

In some situations, the words faculty and knack are roughly equivalent. However, faculty applies to an innate or less often acquired ability for a particular accomplishment or function.

a faculty for remembering names

In what contexts can genius take the place of knack?

Although the words genius and knack have much in common, genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability.

has no great genius for poetry

When is it sensible to use gift instead of knack?

The synonyms gift and knack are sometimes interchangeable, but gift often implies special favor by God or nature.

the gift of singing beautifully

When could talent be used to replace knack?

The words talent and knack can be used in similar contexts, but talent suggests a marked natural ability that needs to be developed.

has enough talent to succeed

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 knack That last track showcases his knack for catchy, easy-to-recite hooks. —

Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2024 Sacha Baron Cohen has a knack for transformative roles, playing oafish Italian barbers and irreverent Kazakhstani journalists. —

Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2024 Set out all your knick knacks and knitted creations, embroidery, and antiques. —

Sharon Greenthal, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2024 Nadal did have a knack for swatting down on-court obstacles with muscle and grit: his snarl belied an inner calm that, more often than not, triumphed. —

Sean Gregory, TIME, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for knack

Recent Examples of Synonyms for knack

Noun

But the photos only tell half of the story how White pulled off an elaborate ruse to surprise Dobrev with his proposal.

Alli Rosenbloom, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024
Though the establishment allegedly tried to lure Edward away from Wallis with fantastical tales about her to smear her reputation, the ruse didn’t work.

Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 28 Oct. 2024