talent

noun

ˈta-lənt How to pronounce talent (audio)
Definition of talentnext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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 talent The addition of an Emerging Artist Competition—sponsored by the Art in Black Foundation—will provide national recognition and cash awards to rising talent, with winning works featured during the summit itself. —Okla Jones, Essence, 17 Sep. 2025 Gentry's lifelong friend Mac (Kristoffer Polaha), a country music talent manager, finds himself in 1995 as well. —Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2025 How this happened in that country, this ocean of talent working underground with such passion. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025 There will also be an award for emerging talent and a public prize. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for talent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for talent
  1. aptitude
  2. knack
  3. gift
  4. flair
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
  • Daring, dangerous, cutout silhouettes are a signature of sorts for the designer, whose knack for cool and modern styles has culled a strong following.
    — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Williams, the steady floor general, has a knack for finding a way to get into the paint to score or dish to shooters.
    — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 17 Sep. 2025
Definition of knack
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
Noun
  • Spurs showed great character and attacking flair in the second half, qualities that had been absent from other games.
    — Jay Harris, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Alfonso Ribeiro and Witney Carson brought the Carlton flair and took home the DWTS season 19 Mirrorball trophy.
    — Allison DeGrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Sep. 2025
Definition of flair

Browse Nearby Words

talebearings
talent
talented
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Cite this Entry

“Talent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/talent. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on talent

Nglish: Translation of talent for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about talent

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