knack

noun

ˈnak How to pronounce knack (audio)
Definition of knacknext
1
as in ruse
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end tried every knack I knew to get him to spill the beans

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in talent
a special and usually inborn ability a jazz musician with an incredible knack for improvisation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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 knack Shaq has a knack for turning star power into accessible ventures, whether that’s in fashion, food, or now fragrance. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025 Trainer has a knack for getting grass horses ready and rider is one of the hottest in the game this year. —Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025 This is how Cintas Acuario was born in the late 1980s — a label that, without any formal facilities, gained a reputation thanks to its founder’s knack for promoting and marketing his artists’ music by distributing it to small shops in the area and in Tijuana, across the Mexican border. —Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 4 Sep. 2025 In High Potential, Olson stars as a single mother with an unconventional knack for solving crimes, alongside Sunjata, Javicia Leslie (Daphne Forrester), Deniz Akdeniz (Oz), Amirah J (Ava Gillroy), Matthew Lamb (Elliot Radovic) and Judy Reyes (Selena Soto). —Denise Petski, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for knack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knack
  1. ruse
  2. talent
  3. trick
  4. aptitude
  5. scheme
  6. flair
  7. device
  8. gift
Noun
  • Police said McGriff employed the ruse to access the couple's Queens residence and then set it ablaze.
    — Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
  • McGriff allegedly tried the ruse at a nearby house first but was turned away, Tisch said.
    — Mark Morales, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of ruse
Noun
  • The Bronx Bombers could add talent in free agency, especially considering the Yankees might lose Cody Bellinger this winter.
    — Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Then the focus automatically becomes about engaging a diverse slate of talent that can evolve thinking and generate unconventional solutions.
    — Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Definition of talent
Noun
  • So the real trick was creating a hue with blendability that people were willing to reapply.
    — Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The Luray Caverns feel almost magical—complete with musical instruments built into the walls, mirror-like lakes that play tricks on your eyes, and even a wishing well tucked into the underground pathways.
    — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2025
Definition of trick
Noun
  • The Chiefs have an aptitude problem.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
  • This leads him to discover an unexpected aptitude for cracking safes, turning his life upside down.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
Definition of aptitude
Noun
  • Roberts and Robinson, who federal prosecutors say conducted the scheme over the course of five years, between 2018 and 2023, allegedly stole $900,000 from the court system.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Just look at the offense — more weapons, better scheme, more support.
    — Dianna Russini, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Definition of scheme
Noun
  • The woodwinds dash in for a moment before the violin arrives, leaping across scales before the orchestra returns with a celebratory flair.
    — Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The new song is a riveting fusion of house, bomba and plena — a continuation of the superstar’s tropical flair.
    — Griselda Flores, Billboard, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of flair
Noun
  • The Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses come with the Meta Neural Band, an EMG wristband that allows users to control the device using hand gestures.
    — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
  • However, Sony doesn’t skimp on the polling rate—the speed at which your device sends inputs to your PC—which peaks at 8,000Hz.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2025
Definition of device
Noun
  • Safe seats are a gift to politicians and party machines but a curse for citizens.
    — MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The final looks were a crescendo of colorful tinsel and bouncing gift ribbon that completely enveloped the models.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
Definition of gift

Browse Nearby Words

klutzy
knack
knackered
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Cite this Entry

“Knack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knack. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.

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