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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun genius differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of genius are aptitude, bent, faculty, gift, knack, and talent. While all these words mean "a special ability for doing something," genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability.

has no great genius for poetry

When is aptitude a more appropriate choice than genius?

The words aptitude and genius are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 genius?

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 genius?

While the synonyms faculty and genius are close in meaning, faculty applies to an innate or less often acquired ability for a particular accomplishment or function.

a faculty for remembering names

When would gift be a good substitute for genius?

While in some cases nearly identical to genius, gift often implies special favor by God or nature.

the gift of singing beautifully

When is it sensible to use knack instead of genius?

The meanings of knack and genius largely overlap; however, knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance.

the knack of getting along

When could talent be used to replace genius?

The words talent and genius 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 genius Only cheerful younger son Einstein (Evan Ellison), an eccentric, prophetically named genius who has decided to become a champion pole-vaulter, seems happy to see him. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025 That’s — actually kind of genius, especially if the Poet was a clumsy fella who needed that kind of precautionary measure. Sara Netzley, EW.com, 15 Apr. 2025 The Match follows the journey of Cho Hoon-hyun (played by Lee), who discovers the young genius Lee Chang-ho (Yoo) and takes him under his wing at the height of his professional career. Sara Merican, Deadline, 14 Apr. 2025 Emmy-nominated for the role the first time out, Ramsey is genius in it, the perfect amounts of precocious, sarcastic, and wide-eyedly vulnerable. Zing Tsjeng, Vogue, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for genius
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genius
Noun
  • Hashing things out with his tech wizard brother-in-law Maury (a shaggy Guy Pearce), Karsh wonders if ecological protesters or religious groups or competitors are upset with his global expansion plans, which include a lava field in Iceland.
    Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Indeed, Wei advocates the CPA profession for not just math wizards, but anyone who aspires to lead a major corporation, citing a Fortune 500 study that found 38.5 percent of CEOs of the 500 had some kind of accounting background.
    Steel Rose, CPA, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • And while there’s some individual talent throughout the roster, the team hasn’t won anything with this core.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • But Matt Lyons, CPS’ chief talent officer from 2015 to 2021, who oversaw similar discipline conversations with previous boards, said the decision to reinstate the cook seemed unusual.
    Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Because some teams, roles and individuals may have natural aptitudes for different setups.
    Eric Hutto, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • And that team happens to desperately need a player like Luka, with not just great basketball aptitude but with presence and personality – star power!
    Mirjam Swanson, Orange County Register, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • As of filling out this form: My self and my wife and my parents.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • That might be her 20-something self’s stance on her agency in the moment, but the woman looking back in her late 40s surveys the landscape with clear-eyed ownership.
    Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The tilt of recent immigration toward higher skilled workers from Asia is another manifestation of this same pattern.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • But the truly painful manifestation of distaste for Musk has been entirely legal, as consumers have shunned his cars.
    Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His omnivorous intellect went from one topic to another, exploring them in minute detail.
    Ilan Stavans, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Gabriel has long funneled his capacious intellect and empathy into music.
    Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Grapevine has a flurry of talent including junior catcher Gianni Corral, an uncommitted recruit who was previously committed to Texas A&M. Outfielder Zachary Goldstein, also a junior, is a scrappy speedster with a knack for getting on base.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Born and raised in a Nigerian household in the U.K., Adepoju, 29, grew up with a knack for restitching thrift store finds into unique pieces.
    Simone Melvin, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • However, instead of removing the minerals from the water, these devices make the minerals soluble in the water.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025
  • However, these incidents underscore the importance of regularly updating your devices to stay protected against evolving threats.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Genius.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genius. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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