FACULTY Synonyms: 110 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'faculty' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of faculty are aptitude , bent , genius , gift , knack , and talent . While all these words mean "a special ability for doing something," faculty applies to an innate or less often acquired ability for a particular accomplishment or function. // a faculty for remembering names

Q: When would 'aptitude' be a good substitute for 'faculty'?

The words aptitude and faculty 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

Q: How are the words 'bent' and 'aptitude' related as synonyms of 'faculty'?

Bent is nearly equal to aptitude but it stresses inclination perhaps more than specific ability. // a family with an artistic bent

Q: In what contexts can 'genius' take the place of 'faculty'?

While the synonyms genius and faculty are close in meaning, genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability. // has no great genius for poetry

Q: When could 'gift' be used to replace 'faculty'?

The meanings of gift and faculty largely overlap; however, gift often implies special favor by God or nature. // the gift of singing beautifully

Q: When might 'knack' be a better fit than 'faculty'?

The words knack and faculty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance. // the knack of getting along

Q: When is 'talent' a more appropriate choice than 'faculty'?

Although the words talent and faculty have much in common, talent suggests a marked natural ability that needs to be developed. // has enough talent to succeed

faculty

noun

ˈfa-kəl-tē

Definition of faculty

as in power

a natural ability of the mind or body although they are well into their 80s, the mental faculties of this couple are as sharp as ever

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in talent

a special and usually inborn ability even when he was still at a young age, John Singleton Copley's artistic faculties were readily recognizable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in ability

the physical or mental power to do something the belief that if someone loses their sight, all of their other physical faculties are heightened

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun faculty differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of faculty are aptitude, bent, genius, gift, knack, and talent. While all these words mean "a special ability for doing something," faculty applies to an innate or less often acquired ability for a particular accomplishment or function.

a faculty for remembering names

When would aptitude be a good substitute for faculty?

The words aptitude and faculty 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 are the words bent and aptitude related as synonyms of faculty?

Bent is nearly equal to aptitude but it stresses inclination perhaps more than specific ability.

a family with an artistic bent

In what contexts can genius take the place of faculty?

While the synonyms genius and faculty are close in meaning, genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability.

has no great genius for poetry

When could gift be used to replace faculty?

The meanings of gift and faculty largely overlap; however, gift often implies special favor by God or nature.

the gift of singing beautifully

When might knack be a better fit than faculty?

The words knack and faculty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance.

the knack of getting along

When is talent a more appropriate choice than faculty?

Although the words talent and faculty have much in common, 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 faculty Several Jewish community or faculty groups say UCLA has not gone far enough to discourage anti-Israel protests. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Mike’s daily care is overseen by a faculty veterinarian and two veterinary students, who serve two-year appointments and work as a team seven days a week. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 Officials said the school also improved its graduation rate from 75% to 95% and its faculty saw in the number holding the proper credentials — from 43 to more than 90 who have the correct subject matter licenses. — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Besides late pay, some faculty also mentioned the lack of supplies for students and that some classes had no instructors when classes began the previous year. — William J. Ford, Baltimore Sun, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for faculty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for faculty

Noun

As Itauma continued attempting to throw power punches, Hrgović knew his opponent had nothing left and went for the kill.

— Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
The last act before festival founder Olivia Rodrigo, Roan turned it out with all of her powers—bolstered by a bold and bitchy, razor-sharp bob.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of power

Noun

During his seven-year tenure at the agency, Caoduro advised leading international fashion and luxury brands across global communications, media and corporate strategy and talent engagement.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026
Ultimately, genetics and talent establish the ceiling, but the evidence suggests a supportive sibling ecosystem helps alchemize raw potential into greatness, and the sibling that benefits most is the one that comes later.

— Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of talent

Noun

Though the Roman telescope is often compared to Hubble, which launched in 1990 and has captured some of the most dramatic and memorable views of the cosmos, Roman’s capabilities far outpace its predecessor’s.

— Denise Chow, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
The modernization expanded advanced manufacturing across the company’s Indianapolis campus and added full engine-test capabilities, including new ground-test facilities and an altitude test facility in West Lafayette.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of capability

Noun

Goldman’s model assumes SMIC will add between 30,000 and 50,000 advanced-node wafers in monthly capacity each year from 2026 through 2031.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Furthermore, relationships themselves teach basic psychological capacities such as regulating emotions, tolerating disappointment, and negotiating differences—skills which therapy is supposed to cultivate.

— David H. Rosmarin, Time, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of capacity

Noun

As Heather Brown reports, Harper's family says the fifth grader had a knack for making every day count.

— Heather Brown, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026
Once again, the artist brought her knack for publicity to bear, as the performances frequently drew a police presence and thus, subsequently, that of the press.

— News Desk, Artforum, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of knack

Browse Nearby Words

faculties

faculty

fad

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of faculty

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

‘Faculty’ and ‘Facility’: A...

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on faculty

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes

Synonyms of faculty

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to faculty

‘Faculty’ and ‘Facility’: A...

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on faculty

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes