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

Relevance

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 Hegeman is set to compete against 11 other baristas from around the world, each showcasing their talents and knowledge of the morning staple through blind coffee tastings, latte art, storytelling, store rush simulations and their own signature beverages. —Bailey Schulz, USA Today, 5 June 2025 Related Stories Las Vegas Studio Proposal Backed by Sony and Warner Bros. Dies in Nevada Legislature Coppola’s presence at the festival reflects the involvement of Chanel, a partner of the festival whose mantra is to shine a spotlight on young talent in front and behind the camera. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 5 June 2025 The platform designed by our passionate artistic team is a space where talents will be empowered to continue to shape the instruments, strategies, and community these filmmakers need to see their projects and careers blossom. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2025 His investment process is simple enough: Select a trusted group of people to work with, and then rely on them to recommend the best pitches, talent and projects. —Sara Merican, Deadline, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for talent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for talent
  1. aptitude
  2. knack
  3. gift
  4. flair
Noun
  • But there must be a method, some sort of expertise and aptitude for the assignment.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 June 2025
  • Nancy shared a sweet story about an interaction with the late Eddie Van Halen that involved an acoustic guitar, a hotel landline and the guitarist’s musical aptitude.
    — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 3 June 2025
Definition of aptitude
Noun
  • Just always had a knack for it, if that makes sense ...
    — Becca Longmire, People.com, 5 June 2025
  • Just kind of always had a knack for it, if that makes sense.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 5 June 2025
Definition of knack
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
  • Here are six standout installations and pavilions that tackled the timely topic of sustainability, circularity and climate change with flair.
    — Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • The new hotel will feature 280 rooms and suites, 55 private residences, and 10 restaurants and bars serving a range of cuisines from high-end Japanese to signature Greek dishes with French flair.
    — Helen Iatrou, AFAR Media, 29 May 2025
Definition of flair

Browse Nearby Words

talebearings
talent
talented
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Talent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/talent. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on talent

Nglish: Translation of talent for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about talent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

'Bring' vs. 'Take'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

10 Hella Good U.S. Regionalisms

Some Data About 'Datum'

The Clinical History of 'Moron,' 'Idiot,' and 'Imbecile'
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All