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 But her freshman season didn’t quite go as planned—highlighted by off the court issues that may give some programs pause despite her talent. — Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 5 Apr. 2025 Given Groff’s musical talents, giving him a moment to sing was a no-brainer, so Rashan Sethi and Karan Soni did a rewrite to include the memorable musical moment. — Alamin Yohannes, EW.com, 5 Apr. 2025 People with narcissistic traits often have an inflated sense of their own talents, achievements and significance in the world. — Dr. Cortney Warren, Contributor, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2025 In some cases, management talent is brought in from the outside but typically there will also be internal promotions. — Trevor Clawson, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for talent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for talent
  1. aptitude
  2. knack
  3. gift
  4. flair
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
  • 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
  • The 17-year-old, who goes by Chris, has a knack for electronic systems and computers.
    — The Star, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of knack
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
  • Functionality with a side of flair.
    — Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025
  • The 2025 version sticks with the mountain theme but adds some flair.
    — David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Apr. 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 17 Apr. 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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