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 Roughly 80% of Harvard’s endowment is earmarked for financial aid, scholarships, faculty chairs, academic programs or other projects, according to the school. —Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 22 May 2025 One significant change is the unionization of non-tenure track faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences. —Thomas Skinner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Read more: The Complicated History of Government Influence Over Universities The decision stunned students, faculty, and higher education leaders across the country. —Nik Popli, Time, 22 May 2025 The award is named in honor of LIM College’s president from 1972 to 2002, and is given to a faculty member who performs in exemplary fashion in the classroom and consistently embodies LIM College’s core values. —Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 12 May 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
  • While others chase fleeting trends or seek instant results, those who understand and leverage the power of patience may be able to secure more consistent, sustainable and rewarding investments.
    — Rodolfo Delgado, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Sandman With the power to control and transform into sand, Sandman (his real name is Flint Marko) is a tough opponent for Spidey and his friends.
    — Sarah Scott, Parents, 30 May 2025
Definition of power
Noun
  • At the Democrat-Gazette, Dustin has cultivated strong connections within the local arts and entertainment community and finds joy in spotlighting the creative talents and inspiring stories of the region.
    — Dustin Staggs, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025
  • Former The Devil Wears Prada drummer Daniel Williams and talent agent Dave Shapiro were both killed in a fatal plane crash in San Diego on May 22.
    — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Definition of talent
Noun
  • Industry watchers have long warned that Congress was under-funding the FAA, preventing the agency from upgrading its technology and limiting its ability to hire and train new air traffic controllers.
    — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Mel Musto—Bloomberg/Getty Images The consequences of removing international students at Harvard could have long-term consequences on the U.S.’ ability to attract foreign talent—not only in higher education, but also in shaping its word-class research.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 May 2025
Definition of ability
Noun
  • However, prior to their weekend, Smith's Venis launches a new iteration of an AI app he's developed that plunges the world into chaos, courtesy of its capability to produce highly realistic deepfake videos.
    — Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 31 May 2025
  • To address rising costs from tariffs, Bitmain VP Irene Gao said during the Antminer S23 launch that Bitmain is working to expand its manufacturing capabilities in the United States.
    — Colin Harper, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Definition of capability
Noun
  • Tools that assess personality, aptitude, reaction time, or cultural fit are also included.
    — Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Past Lives established director Celine Song’s aptitude at exploring complex love triangles, which looks to continue in her new romantic comedy.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Time, 16 May 2025
Definition of aptitude
Noun
  • Given the show's history with flashback episodes, Pascal may return for The Last of Us season 3 in a limited capacity following his character's death in season 2, episode 2.
    — Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 26 May 2025
  • As the President is clearly aware, adversaries like China are preparing to surpass the United States in nuclear power capacity, rapidly building reactors while forming a strong base of expertise to improve their nuclear technology.
    — Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Definition of capacity
Noun
  • Neither Hezbollah nor the state had come to survey the extensive damage, although Hezbollah had given Abdullah and others who had lost their homes between twelve thousand to fourteen thousand dollars apiece, part of what the group’s leader called a gift from Iran.
    — Rania Abouzeid, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
  • Even occasional summer watering will kill it or shorten its life, which is only about four or five years anyway, but wow, what a gift to hummingbirds and other pollinators, not to mention anyone who loves a dramatic, fragrant garden.
    — Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
Definition of gift
Noun
  • Dior has a knack for creating beauty products with explosive popularity.
    — Claire Sullivan, Footwear News, 22 May 2025
  • But Smith, now 20, has a knack for showing up and lighting leagues on fire, having done it back home for North Toronto Nitros in 2022 and then in Portugal.
    — The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Definition of knack

Browse Nearby Words

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 7 Jun. 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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