knack

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 Beringer seemingly has a knack for first impressions. Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 11 July 2025 Royal Caribbean has a knack for creating ships that cater to all ages and vacation vibes, and Ovation of the Seas strikes the right balance with active all-ages fun, kid-friendly play areas, and vibrant nightlife. Erica Silverstein, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025 Sugar was always adventurous, a little escape artist with a knack for finding trouble. Ashley Vega, People.com, 3 July 2025 Lloyd’s early reputation was partly built on an imaginative knack for tapping new meaning from the darkest and most interesting recesses of a play, notably but not only Harold Pinter’s work (Lloyd’s Betrayal, also with Hiddleston, was lauded on both sides of the Atlantic). Demetrios Matheou, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for knack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knack
Noun
  • No, because the medic — work requirements are a ruse.
    NBC news, NBC news, 13 July 2025
  • Ben Affleck's Argo is a real film about the ruse of making a fake film to help rescue real-life hostages in Iran.
    EW Staff Published, EW.com, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • The continuity will help, especially considering 2024 district champion Arlington Bowie lost a fair amount of offensive talent.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2025
  • With an unrivaled pool of creative and executive talent to draw from across Los Angeles, the question was always who from the worlds of film and television would Casey Wasserman tap to add Hollywood sizzle to the 2028 Olympic Games.
    Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • The universe is playing tricks on you this week, Scorpio, especially in relation to career matters, your public persona or situations involving authority.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 13 July 2025
  • One small trellis or fence panel often does the trick.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • This combination of process understanding and technical aptitude creates a powerful force for rapid, relevant application development.
    Ed Jennings, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • That his tantalizing talent was matched by a preternatural aptitude.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Singer took in more than $25 million from his clients as part of the scheme, paid bribes totaling more than $7 million and used more than $15 million for his own benefit, according to prosecutors.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
  • The scheme requires drivers to pay a fee—based on the time and duration of their visit and their vehicle type—to enter the lower part of Manhattan, from the southern end of Central Park to the city’s financial district.
    Carlton Reid, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • The model with the best flair won a new toy and, naturally, a purse to hang it on.
    Ashton Jackson Valentina Duarte, CNBC, 14 July 2025
  • Of course, with Louisiana flair, the new sauce also has a dash of hot sauce.
    Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • The devices are considered imperative to reactor safety, according to the Energy Education project at the University of Calgary.
    Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 26 July 2025
  • At some point, deputies sent a drone inside the home to determine if the woman was being held inside against her will, but the man attacked and broke the device, investigators said.
    Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • Products to choose from include books, apparel, toys, candy, antiques, jewelry, gifts, accessories, flowers, games, home decor, popcorn and more.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 19 July 2025
  • For its 88th birthday, Krispy Kreme is giving customers a gift: a deal on a dozen doughnuts.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 19 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Knack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knack. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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