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 Florida is still showing a knack for suppressing shots but more high-danger chances are slipping past. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026 And there are all sorts of knick-knacks — from hair clips to birdhouses that her dad makes. —Bo Evans, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026 Hobart junior Kurah Krucina is showing a knack for scoring. —Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026 As for Brown’s game, one thing that stands out on his tape, especially as an Atlanta resident, is Brown’s knack for rejecting screens with a right-to-left dribble and creating a runway to the rim. —John Hollinger, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026 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
  • Because telling Starfleet that the Furies are part Lynar, and particularly susceptible to high sonic frequencies, is just an ingenious ruse.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders said at trial that the custody exchange on the day of the shooting was a ruse for Payne to talk his way back into Lane's life.
    — Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of ruse
Noun
  • For all the talent on Seattle’s defense, a single superstar didn’t dominate the game.
    — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Her hard work and talent were recently recognized on a statewide level, as she was named a Fastpitch All-Stater.
    — Darla Rivera, Oklahoman, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of talent
Noun
  • Seven of the 12 finalists fell in their first run in snowy conditions, which made landing tricks more of a challenge.
    — Sean Gregory, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Van Der Beek, twisting his remarkable life into a piece of comedy, pulled the same kind of trick.
    — Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
Definition of trick
Noun
  • In the era of collaboration, globalization, and entrepreneurship, EQ surpassed IQ as the must-have aptitude for an interconnected world.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 3 Feb. 2026
  • The Broncos expect Stidham to play well given his mental aptitude, preparation and personality.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 22 Jan. 2026
Definition of aptitude
Noun
  • Those affected by the scheme can visit Agridime’s website to see how the company is handling investors’ claims.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Jane Doe alleged that in 2013, Epstein’s associates directed her to open a Bank of America account as part of a scheme to deceive immigration officials.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of scheme
Noun
  • True to her signature flair for whimsy, Samuel brought in lots of playful elements featuring warm colors, bright patterns, and contemporary silhouettes.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The menu brings classic steakhouse dishes served with indulgence and flair.
    — USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of flair
Noun
  • The company's smart glasses success is the latest sign that the adoption of wearable AI devices is gaining momentum with consumers.
    — Samantha Subin, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The company specializes in and has become an industry leader in wireless connectivity and connected devices.
    — Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of device
Noun
  • Epstein gave Siegal $30,000 as a birthday gift in July 2018.
    — Brent Lang, Variety, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The movie opens with marshland residents, including Lamia and Bibi, lining up far back and pressing urgently forward, jerricans in hand, to receive fresh water at a tanker truck from officials offering it as a gift from Hussein.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of gift

Browse Nearby Words

klutzy
knack
knackered
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Knack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knack. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of knack for Spanish Speakers

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