art

noun

ˈärt How to pronounce art (audio)
Definition of artnext
1
as in craft
an occupation requiring skillful use of the hands one of the country's finest practitioners of the art of cabinetmaking

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in skill
subtle or imaginative ability in inventing, devising, or executing something while some people see it simply as mindless fun or exercise, there is an art to skateboarding

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun art contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of art are artifice, craft, cunning, and skill. While all these words mean "the faculty of executing well what one has devised," art implies a personal, unanalyzable creative power.

the art of choosing the right word

Where would artifice be a reasonable alternative to art?

While the synonyms artifice and art are close in meaning, artifice suggests technical skill especially in imitating things in nature.

believed realism in film could be achieved only by artifice

When is it sensible to use craft instead of art?

In some situations, the words craft and art are roughly equivalent. However, craft may imply expertness in workmanship.

the craft of a master goldsmith

When could cunning be used to replace art?

The words cunning and art can be used in similar contexts, but cunning suggests ingenuity and subtlety in devising, inventing, or executing.

a mystery plotted with great cunning

When might skill be a better fit than art?

The meanings of skill and art largely overlap; however, skill stresses technical knowledge and proficiency.

the skill of a glassblower

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 art Look for handmade kids furniture, colorful vintage rugs, unique wall art, and all manner of head-turning decor at every possible price point. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 31 Aug. 2026 Actor Nakadai Tatsuya provides the Devil’s voice, while the camera drifts across static watercolor paintings under Fukai Kuni’s art direction. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026 During one of the production’s marathon 16-hour days, the two found themselves at a table creating a little art piece out of a drawing Malkovich had made. — Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Take a chance, expand your mind, find new ways to dream — and in the coming months, enjoy all the art that Central Florida has to offer. — Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for art
Recent Examples of Synonyms for art
  1. craft
  2. skill
  3. trade
  4. skillfulness
Noun
  • Rough surf and locally hazardous conditions for small craft are also anticipated over the northern Gulf.
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • With digital manufacturing, engineers simply tweak the CAD file and hit print, churning out replacement parts, patrol craft, logistics vessels, or uncrewed sensor platforms on demand.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of craft
Noun
  • Bonnell appears to be treating software as another part of the motorcycle's suspension system and something that can be adjusted to suit the rider’s preferences, skill, and terrain.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
  • This may not come as a surprise in a world not only of AI, but widespread access to technology that requires ordinary people to develop typing skills.
    — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of skill
Noun
  • The industry moves more than 80 percent of global trade by volume.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Some China watchers, however, are keeping their expectations low, as both sides appear to be more interested in avoiding moves that would risk their current trade truce.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of trade
Noun
  • After taking over hosting duties from Padma Lakshmi in season 21, Kish is now the undeniable face of the series, one that represents the continuously evolving future of its programming, which prioritizes culinary skillfulness.
    — McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 21 June 2026
Definition of skillfulness

Browse Nearby Words

arsons
art
arterial
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Cite this Entry

“Art.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/art. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on art

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about art

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