faculty

noun

ˈfa-kəl-tē How to pronounce faculty (audio)
Definition of facultynext
1
as in power
a natural ability of the mind or body although they are well into their 80s, the mental faculties of this couple are as sharp as ever

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in talent
a special and usually inborn ability even when he was still at a young age, John Singleton Copley's artistic faculties were readily recognizable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in ability
the physical or mental power to do something the belief that if someone loses their sight, all of their other physical faculties are heightened

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun faculty differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of faculty are aptitude, bent, genius, gift, knack, and talent. While all these words mean "a special ability for doing something," faculty applies to an innate or less often acquired ability for a particular accomplishment or function.

a faculty for remembering names

When would aptitude be a good substitute for faculty?

The words aptitude and faculty can be used in similar contexts, but 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 faculty?

Bent is nearly equal to aptitude but it stresses inclination perhaps more than specific ability.

a family with an artistic bent

In what contexts can genius take the place of faculty?

While the synonyms genius and faculty are close in meaning, genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability.

has no great genius for poetry

When could gift be used to replace faculty?

The meanings of gift and faculty largely overlap; however, gift often implies special favor by God or nature.

the gift of singing beautifully

When might knack be a better fit than faculty?

The words knack and faculty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance.

the knack of getting along

When is talent a more appropriate choice than faculty?

Although the words talent and faculty have much in common, 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 faculty Hundreds of students, alumni, university faculty and staff came in waves to the grand centennial celebration. — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2025 Northwestern’s president, Michael Schill, has testified before Congress about his commitment to making Jewish students, faculty and staff feel comfortable around Northwestern’s campus. — Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2025 While the Department of Homeland Security has publicly touted many of its efforts to deport students and faculty, the process of revoking a visa is handled by the State Department, which has been more tight-lipped. — Caroll Alvarado, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025 In some colleges, research faculty also teach classes. — Garrett Shanley, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for faculty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for faculty
  1. power
  2. talent
  3. ability
  4. capability
  5. aptitude
  6. capacity
  7. gift
  8. knack
Noun
  • Everybody else has no choice, really, other than to bring a cruel, narcissistic far-right leader to power.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Because a bat has a thick barrel and rotates when swung, its motion and power depend on the distribution of weight across the entire shaft, not just in one spot.
    — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of power
Noun
  • The budding talent had turned in the finest start of his big-league career to date Saturday, taming the Philadelphia Phillies in a raucous ballpark.
    — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Jennie is the latest talent from the K-pop outfit to manage a special feat on the American rankings this week.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of talent
Noun
  • The funding losses, Shaffer said, challenge the department’s ability to protect vulnerable residents and respond to emerging health threats.
    — Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2025
  • There are many reasons a person might hesitate to partake in French ring, a sport where dogs are judged on their agility, obedience and ability to provide protection.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of ability
Noun
  • In recent years, Western policymakers have become particularly concerned about the capabilities of Russia and China to exploit the vulnerabilities of undersea cables.
    — John Calabrese, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Barber also said its completion marked a new level of repair capabilities for advanced stealth fighters.
    — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of capability
Noun
  • His and Hubbard's distinct approaches underscore the region’s aptitude for versatility.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 24 Mar. 2025
  • According to the archaeologists, the transition from stone to bone was a feat of abstract thinking, requiring an aptitude in toolmaking and an appreciation that the knapping techniques that worked on one material would also work on another.
    — Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of aptitude
Noun
  • Lithium-sulfur would cost $4,500 for a battery with the same capacity.
    — Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2025
  • People seeking help from cities that don't participate will be turned away if the facility has already reached its 150-bed capacity, Melissa O'Neil, the shelter's CEO, told metro officials earlier this month.
    — Jason Clayworth, Axios, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of capacity
Noun
  • Be Forward-Looking If feedback is such a gift, why do most of us hate receiving it as well as giving it?
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The wines aren’t really exported, either, so a bottle carried carefully back to the USA makes a welcome gift.
    — Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of gift
Noun
  • The 17-year-old, who goes by Chris, has a knack for electronic systems and computers.
    — The Star, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Kane has a magic knack for turning slight openings into goals, as Tuchel knows as well as anyone.
    — Jack Pitt-Brooke, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of knack

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faculties
faculty
fad
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Cite this Entry

“Faculty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/faculty. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on faculty

Nglish: Translation of faculty for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about faculty

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