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 First, some context that’s crucial to understand, especially for Republicans who claim Democrats eviscerate manufacturing jobs while the GOP has a knack for creating them. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 7 Mar. 2025 The author of four previous novels, an essay collection, and a book of short stories, Lalami has a knack for taking a flashy premise and underdelivering — that’s a compliment, by the way. —Sam Worley, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025 Others are fine with building on the strength of a memorable story, but the best and longest-running series have a knack for reinvention. —Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2025 All three are extremely talky, but Haugerud has a knack for making rivers of dialogue fluid, dynamic and cinematic. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 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
  • Shane Millan admitted to forcing several women to expose their chest with the ruse of checking for tattoos A U.S. Border Patrol agent has admitted to forcing several migrant women to expose their breasts while processing their paperwork during their entry into the country in 2023.
    — Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The idea of doctors posing as podcasters to make men more suggestible is already a winner, but the language the doctors employ to complete the ruse ratchets up the comedy.
    — Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 26 Jan. 2025
Definition of ruse
Noun
  • The Sweden international’s talent has never been in question but those who have worked with the Newcastle striker describe a unique, complex personality — someone who is ridiculously driven, yet can be laid-back and withdrawn, all at once.
    — Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Aaron Rodgers has a controversial personality, but from a talent perspective at least, would be a good mentor for a young quarterback.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of talent
Noun
  • Attendees will learn tricks of baiting and setting humane traps, which are on loan with a fully refundable deposit if they are returned in good condition, as well as how to transport cats safely.
    — Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Luckily, there’s one easy trick that the most trustworthy, relatable and likable people use.
    — Ellen Hendriksen, Contributor, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of trick
Noun
  • This is different from notions of strengths and weaknesses, personality, aptitude or things like that.
    — Michael B. Horn, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • So having that mental aptitude to learn and pick up schemes could help a good and creative coach get a ton out of him.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of aptitude
Noun
  • The military declares martial law in the town as Daniels and his fellow scientists race to develop a cure, even as the nefarious McClintock schemes to bomb Cedar Creek to smithereens to contain the virus.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The White Van is a kinetic heist thriller following a troubled young woman who is lured into a criminal scheme that leaves her wanted for bank robbery and hunted by a corrupt cop who doesn’t want justice – but wants the money for himself.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of scheme
Noun
  • His burgeoning jazz-funk had a cinematic flair that flowered on his soundtrack for the seminal blaxploitation film Coffy in 1973.
    — Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2025
  • This two day conference will have more of an institutional flair.
    — Aaron Stanley, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of flair
Noun
  • These range from counseling to lifestyle changes to medications to devices to surgery.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • But the game’s biggest achievement lies in its success as a time travel story, a narrative device that’s — more often than not — hard to do right.
    — Hayes Madsen, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of device
Noun
  • Feedback is a gift (even when someone shouts it at you).
    — Forrester, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Its combination of art, gifts and apparel all bear elements of his signature design style, an array of colors that reflect Britto’s appreciation of artists Pablo Picasso, Henry Matisse, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and Roy Lichtenstein.
    — Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of gift

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Cite this Entry

“Knack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knack. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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