gift 1 of 2

gift

2 of 2

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
His son, Walter, later added the iconic paper hats and novelties and gifts. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 Best Black Friday Shoe Deals J.Crew’s shoe selection is just as impressive, offering plenty of stylish options that double as fantastic gifts. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2024
Verb
According to his new owners, in addition to playing outdoors, Buddy loves the toys the couple gifted him. Angel Saunders, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024 Home accessories such as candles, blankets and pillows will add to the gifting options, and same-day complimentary monograms will be available with purchase. Booth Moore, WWD, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gift 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gift
Noun
  • One in three people were repeat donors on the site, and the average donation amount throughout the year was $77.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Meta donated $1 million, the company confirmed to CNBC, Amazon is planning to donate the same amount, according to The Wall Street Journal and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is making a personal donation also of the same amount, according to the company.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The complaint represents a significant step forward in the efforts by some unscripted talent to unionize.
    Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Your talent, brilliance and tireless work ethic, too.
    Dr. Eric George, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • May God continue to bless her in good health, love and joy!
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
  • After blessing the holy water, the archbishop will sprinkle it over the congregation and then the altar.
    Christian Edwards, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • For me, on Christmas Day, after opening presents, just getting into the kitchen.
    Jennifer Kester, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
  • One couple decided to skip Christmas presents altogether, choosing to give each other a weekend getaway.
    Daniel Wine, CNN, 11 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
Verb
  • McNEAL: You’re endowed with abilities, physical traits.
    Ayad Akhtar, The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2024
  • Helen, on the other hand, has blossomed from dowdy to dazzling, and is now a best-selling author bent on revenge and wooing back Ernest. Desperate, Madeline finds a potion endowing her with eternal youth — but with a few Faustian caveats.
    Frank Rizzo, Variety, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The seven-member council, after listening to the presentations but not asking any questions, plan to select the next county executive by a simple majority vote at an undetermined date in the future, County Council Chairman Izzy Patoka previously said.
    Brooke Conrad, Baltimore Sun, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Sasaki has elite stuff, and at just 23 years old, all 30 teams should be going all in with their presentations to try and woo him to their organization.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Eight dining venues showcase the hotel’s culinary aptitude.
    Joe Niehaus, Travel + Leisure, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Learning is divided into grades and separated by age and aptitude.
    Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near gift

Cite this Entry

“Gift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gift. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on gift

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