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 Bag designs were more polarized, with oversize silhouettes and revivals of heritage styles juxtaposed to fantasy minaudière designs, sculptural clutches and embellished mini bags displaying brands’ craftsmanship and doubling as objects of art. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 After moving to London aged 17 from his home in Milan, Italy, Benski had to learn the entertainment business on the job, initially driving camera trucks and working in art departments. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026 At first, Seghers leaned toward an academic career, studying art history at Heidelberg University and writing a dissertation on Jewish imagery in Rembrandt. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 These include the Nook, a ground-floor room where visitors can make art, read or study. — Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for art
Recent Examples of Synonyms for art
  1. craft
  2. skill
  3. trade
  4. skillfulness
Noun
  • At the Homo Faber craft festival in Venice this past September, one such work—its mouth opening up like a blooming flower—had onlookers resisting the urge to touch it.
    — Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Through the triumphs and missteps of these previous craft, NASA learned how to better explore another planet with a rover operated from millions of miles away.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of craft
Noun
  • The students who stepped forward when their teacher collapsed playing basketball in Michigan illustrate what becomes possible when CPR skills are taught before they are needed.
    — Meng Yang, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Cheung said professionalism, patience and strong communication skills are particularly important for applicants, as is the ability to offer constructive criticism to students.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of skill
Noun
  • The bootblack squats beside a chest containing the tools of his trade.
    — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
  • With shifting tariff rules and trade policies, merchants need to stay flexible to handle sudden political and financial changes.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on art

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about art

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