gift 1 of 2

gift

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verb

as in to bless
to furnish freely or naturally with some power, quality, or attribute gifted with an uncanny ability to persuade people to do things they ordinarily wouldn't

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun gift differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of gift are aptitude, bent, faculty, genius, knack, and talent. While all these words mean "a special ability for doing something," gift often implies special favor by God or nature.

the gift of singing beautifully

When can aptitude be used instead of gift?

The words aptitude and gift can be used in similar contexts, but 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 gift?

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 gift?

In some situations, the words faculty and gift 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 could genius be used to replace gift?

The meanings of genius and gift largely overlap; however, genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability.

has no great genius for poetry

When would knack be a good substitute for gift?

Although the words knack and gift have much in common, knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance.

the knack of getting along

In what contexts can talent take the place of gift?

The synonyms talent and gift 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 gift
Noun
After 471 days in forced captivity, the idea that a hostage would receive a gift bag is undoubtedly bizarre. Mick Krever, CNN, 20 Jan. 2025 Beyond personal vacations, Evans’ work has granted him an even greater gift of not just popping in and out of a place, but really getting to know destinations across the globe. Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 20 Jan. 2025
Verb
Mac Miller’s estate has finally gifted fans with Balloonerism, a posthumous album that has been the subject of speculation for years. Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 17 Jan. 2025 The two-bite delights—popular in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia when the Lunar New Year rolls around—are perfect for hosting, gifting, and snacking. Megan Zhang, Saveur, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for gift 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gift
Noun
  • In the 2010 case of Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, the Supreme Court ruled that campaign contributions are political free speech and that caps on political donations are unconstitutional.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
  • No cost to attend but reservations are recommended with donations always appreciated.
    Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Durant, from a talent and production standpoint alone, is more than deserving.
    Zach Harper, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Vucevic is an All-Star-level talent who could provide more size to this Pacers rotation.
    John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The Lions offensive line also is blessed with experience.
    Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025
  • If God blesses a nation, nothing can thwart His purpose or our success.
    Maureen Mackey, Fox News, 19 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • New hero shooter Marvel Rivals is now releasing several maps and 2-4 heroes per season, at present.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
  • At present, voters can check a box on their ballot giving the BBWAA permission to make their choices public two weeks after the announcement.
    Steve Buckley, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Cecile had a knack for turning attacks into opportunities.
    Ilyse Hogue, TIME, 21 Jan. 2025
  • He’s got a knack for hitting holes in the net, frequently beating goalies low-blocker and five-hole.
    Scott Wheeler, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • That idea is that we are all created equal, endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
    Theo Burman, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
  • America tends to swallow other cultures whole, endowing them with a good dose of homogenization – a Syrian refugee teen is just as likely as an American teen to be bent over his smartphone, impatient with his parents, and oblivious to the world at large.
    Robert Klose, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The annual event is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious presentation of Indigenous art in the world.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
  • The show will also showcase camellias in floral arrangements and educational presentations to highlight camellia care and varieties.
    Orlando Sentinel Staff, Orlando Sentinel, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Louis Jourdan, Count Dracula (1977) This BBC TV movie is a faithful adaptation of the book, and Jourdan plays a Dracula who teems with ghoulish sophistication as a refined intellectual with an aptitude for language and etymology.
    Celia Mattison, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024
  • Similarly, Remy’s middle-class upbringing doesn’t account for his own aptitude, which isn’t dissimilar from Ayden’s, even if Ayden is further along with his welding skills.
    Rachel Kushner, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near gift

Cite this Entry

“Gift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gift. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on gift

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