Synonym Chooser

How does the noun aptitude differ from other similar words?

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

Bent is nearly equal to aptitude but it stresses inclination perhaps more than specific ability.

a family with an artistic bent

When could faculty be used to replace aptitude?

In some situations, the words faculty and aptitude 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

When is it sensible to use genius instead of aptitude?

While in some cases nearly identical to aptitude, genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability.

has no great genius for poetry

When can gift be used instead of aptitude?

The words gift and aptitude can be used in similar contexts, but gift often implies special favor by God or nature.

the gift of singing beautifully

When would knack be a good substitute for aptitude?

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

the knack of getting along

When might talent be a better fit than aptitude?

The synonyms talent and aptitude are sometimes interchangeable, but talent suggests a marked natural ability that needs to be developed.

has enough talent to succeed

Examples 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 aptitude Independent of learning disorders or other factors that may be hindering learning, there are a few central factors that help explain why some children show a stronger aptitude or love of reading than other kids. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 16 Oct. 2024 Yet Harris also showed an aptitude for building alliances within the Party. Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2024 To lead a sweeping high-tech overhaul of the global grid, an organization would need large-scale instrumentation resources, a brand reputation capable of rallying worldwide participation and an aptitude and appetite for attempting moonshots. Eric Siegel, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 For its finance organization, the Fortune 500 company is trying to appeal to people who not only have a finance background but also an aptitude for technology, Rowe said. Bysheryl Estrada, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aptitude 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aptitude
Noun
  • Although the natural inclination is to think of a marathon as something done on foot, or by people who are known as ambulatory, the NYC Marathon does have a program for the race that’s inclusive of wheelchair users.
    Steven Aquino, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
  • Smullen’s inclinations here reek of resentment rather than a healthier competitiveness that would drive him to bring a solid case against his main suspect.
    Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • That was his greatest talent, knowing who to hire, who should be on this date, who should play this part.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Both parties, of course, ultimately stood by their call, and they were vindicated in the end, but according to executives and on-air talent at multiple TV networks that spoke with The Hollywood Reporter, the lessons of that call are still being felt.
    Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Looking elegantly windblown in a sweater, her mass of hair cascading like the precious garland of some Irish deity, Farrow has a tendency to trail off in conversation.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024
  • There was a tendency in the local scene toward one-upmanship in terms of how many cylinders a builder could wedge into these machines, and at some point Whitelock decided to take the idea to its logical conclusion and end the arms race once and for all.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • More news: Chiefs vs Buccaneers Expert Predictions for Monday Night Football Week 9 Kansas City also has a knack for finding receivers that end up becoming stars.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Which brings up a second paradox: Dudamel always seems most energized with scores full of rhythmic rattle and percussive excitement, pieces that demand pinpoint exactitude and a knack for assembling large, coherent structures out of jagged shards.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Testers tipped over the space heaters to test the auto shutoff, noted hot surfaces on each heater, and tested connectivity via apps or smart devices when applicable.
    Katie Begley, People.com, 4 Oct. 2024
  • ILMs offer the potential to transform the mechanical joint design in manufacturing for aerospace, robotics, and biomedical devices.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • An ambitious politician with big ideas and a flair for poignant speeches, Johnston was a fluent Spanish speaker who had been principal of a high school with mostly immigrant students.
    Anjeanette Damon, ProPublica, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Briseno recommends wearing pieces like A-line skirts adorned with floral patterns, flounce sleeves, which pay homage to traditional Mexican craftsmanship and shirts with Peter Pan collars, which give a charming vintage flair to your look.
    Nadja Sayej, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Millennial parents will especially love their child's affinity for this adorable blast from the past that's been redesigned to capture the hearts of a new generation.
    Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Dramatically perched on a clifftop, overlooking the pearl waters of the Gulf of Oman, the resort reflects its affinity with Omani culture firstly in its architecture.
    Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Whether shoppers are searching for practical gifts or looking to splurge a little, the year’s sales present a prime opportunity to shop and save.
    Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Your gift recipient can recreate a spa experience at home with this plush robe.
    Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near aptitude

Cite this Entry

“Aptitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aptitude. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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