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 This will be the Mortal Fools’ third gig ever, again at Evanston SPACE — an out-there booking for a venue whose 2025 talent so far includes Emmylou Harris and Josh Rouse. —

Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025 The team wanted to stockpile future assets and add intriguing young talent, so the 31-year-old was traded to the Golden State Warriors with a second-round pick for De’Anthony Melton, two-way guard Reece Beekman and three unprotected second-round picks. —

C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2025 Whether Boise State has the talent or firepower to topple Penn State remains to be seen, but the moment won’t be too big. —

Justin Williams, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024 In which case a highly successful career seems inevitable for this talent. —

Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for talent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for talent

Noun

Louis Jourdan, Count Dracula (1977) This BBC TV movie is a faithful adaptation of the book, and Jourdan plays a Dracula who teems with ghoulish sophistication as a refined intellectual with an aptitude for language and etymology.

Celia Mattison, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024
Similarly, Remy’s middle-class upbringing doesn’t account for his own aptitude, which isn’t dissimilar from Ayden’s, even if Ayden is further along with his welding skills.

Rachel Kushner, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024