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 Paul Rudd was a wonderful choice for Ben Glenroy, a movie star who dabbled in franchise tentpoles but came alive due to Rudd’s comedic aptitude. Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2024 The same was true in HandBrake, as well as Geekbench, which measures overall aptitude at daily productivity tasks. Brian Westover, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024 Which is where Josephina shows her natural aptitude for the job, owning a standing target at the firing range and demonstrating a rapid-fire mastery of boots-on-the-ground directives in the noise-torture obstacle course or whatever. Andy Andersen, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024 She was surprised by her own aptitude for science and soon transferred to Lancaster University as a full-time student. David W. Brown, The New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aptitude 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aptitude
Noun
  • Credit card rewards function as a tax on those without credit cards and those with credit cards but without the ability or inclination to keep up with the panoply of options.
    David G.W. Birch, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Hegseth himself has not shown any inclination toward a withdrawal.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 15 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The partnership has sharpened her sound, blending her natural talent with Mustard’s polished expertise.
    Walaa Elsiddig, Billboard, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The move means films from Asia are now eligible for the main competition, while its talents can participate in the year-round Red Sea Lab and Red Sea Souk project market.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The High Performer's Dilemma: A Focus on Gaps High achievers, particularly perfectionists, thrive on results and continuous improvement, which can lead to a tendency to dwell too long on shortcomings.
    Luciana Paulise, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Over his years on Days, Clyde committed murder, rape, and blackmail, displayed both homophobic and misogynistic tendencies, was thrown in and busted out of prison, and ran a drug ring.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Like Floyd, Mangione may also have a knack for the myth-building flourish.
    Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2024
  • These choices are testament to Osei’s uncanny knack for spotting new rising stars— Jellyfish and Lobster is now in consideration for an Oscar and the film is available to view in the Academy screening room.
    Nina-Sophia Miralles, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Efficacy of post-market therapeutics and devices to support effective regulatory approvals and reimbursements.
    Premier Contributor, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Keeping the fridge powered along with essential mobile devices, fans, and heaters can keep people comfortable during unexpected power troubles.
    Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The video captivates with a vintage flair reminiscent of 1940s film noir dipped in warm sepia tones.
    Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 6 Dec. 2024
  • From the soulful tones of gospel legends to the contemporary flair of rising stars, these albums offer something for everyone looking to elevate their celebrations.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Undoubtedly the hard work is paying off, as wines of depth, structure, and age-worthiness clearly show off Gamay’s affinity to this area.
    Paul Caputo, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Leading up to the election, Zuckerberg had been gradually showing a closer affinity with Trump.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • And there’s so many wonderful gifts that come from being tested to your limits of death.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Sure, big-ticket holiday gifts are fun to receive: There’s nothing quite like ripping off the wrapping paper to unveil a brand-new video game console or a pair of noise-canceling headphones.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 10 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near aptitude

Cite this Entry

“Aptitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aptitude. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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