knack

noun

ˈnak How to pronounce knack (audio)
Definition of knacknext
1
as in ruse
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end tried every knack I knew to get him to spill the beans

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in talent
a special and usually inborn ability a jazz musician with an incredible knack for improvisation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun knack differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of knack are aptitude, bent, faculty, genius, gift, and talent. While all these words mean "a special ability for doing something," knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance.

the knack of getting along

When can aptitude be used instead of knack?

While in some cases nearly identical to knack, 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 knack?

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 knack?

In some situations, the words faculty and knack 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

In what contexts can genius take the place of knack?

Although the words genius and knack have much in common, genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability.

has no great genius for poetry

When is it sensible to use gift instead of knack?

The synonyms gift and knack are sometimes interchangeable, but gift often implies special favor by God or nature.

the gift of singing beautifully

When could talent be used to replace knack?

The words talent and knack 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 knack In matches like these where opportunities are at a premium, the opening goal becomes all the more decisive — and Forest have developed a knack for striking first, scoring the opener in 24 of their 30 league matches, more than any other side in 2024-25. —Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025 Strelow, who is weighing college options that could include baseball or wrestling, has a knack for making things happen. —Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025 Even so, Australia has a knack for coming out of a ho-hum kind of day nicely, and the team is in second place, three points back from Canada. —Andrew Rice, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025 The 17-year-old, who goes by Chris, has a knack for electronic systems and computers. —The Star, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for knack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knack
  1. ruse
  2. talent
  3. trick
  4. aptitude
  5. scheme
  6. flair
  7. device
  8. gift
Noun
  • Frank This character doing all the heavy lifting to keep Rick’s ruse afloat and Sam Rockwell doing all the heavy lifting to keep this plot interesting: Thank you for your service, gentlemen.
    — Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2025
  • This is, of course, a ruse to put Rick in the same room with Jim, who, according to his mother on her deathbed, killed his do-gooder dad.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of ruse
Noun
  • Jennie is the latest talent from the K-pop outfit to manage a special feat on the American rankings this week.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Royals starter Kris Bubic continues to marvel at his teammate’s elite talent on the field.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of talent
Noun
  • Special content, tips, and tricks: Free digital access to the vast recipe archives of Bon Appétit and Epicurious, plus an in-depth video filmed in the test kitchen of one recipe from each box.
    — The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025
  • But back to the task at hand: One trick to schooling yourself while keeping things fun is taking a tour — or a few of them.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of trick
Noun
  • His and Hubbard's distinct approaches underscore the region’s aptitude for versatility.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 24 Mar. 2025
  • According to the archaeologists, the transition from stone to bone was a feat of abstract thinking, requiring an aptitude in toolmaking and an appreciation that the knapping techniques that worked on one material would also work on another.
    — Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of aptitude
Noun
  • Detectives arrested a man accused in a lottery ticket stealing scheme that netted him and a partner thousands of dollars in winnings, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
    — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025
  • His chief adviser was also charged in state court with taking part in a separate bribery scheme.
    — Jan Ransom, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of scheme
Noun
  • The 2025 version sticks with the mountain theme but adds some flair.
    — David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Functionality with a side of flair.
    — Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of flair
Noun
  • Rivers used that particular flick as his framing device, which makes sense to anyone who has long wondered the same thing.
    — Sam Amick, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
  • The device gives users the option to shape and create their own sonic signature.
    — Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of device
Noun
  • Absent legislative action, the estate and gift tax exemption will revert to approximately $7 million per person in 2026 (down from nearly $14 million in 2025).
    — Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Officials cannot use funds to contribute to or support nonprofit organizations, for political activities or gifts of public funds.
    — Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of gift

Browse Nearby Words

klutzy
knack
knackered
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Cite this Entry

“Knack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knack. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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