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knack

noun
\ ˈnak How to pronounce knack (audio) \

Definition of knack

1 : a special ready capacity that is hard to analyze or teach
2a : a clever trick or stratagem
b : a clever way of doing something
3 archaic : an ingenious device broadly : toy, knickknack
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about knack

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Choose the Right Synonym for knack

gift, faculty, aptitude, bent, talent, genius, knack mean a special ability for doing something. gift often implies special favor by God or nature. the gift of singing beautifully faculty applies to an innate or less often acquired ability for a particular accomplishment or function. a faculty for remembering names aptitude implies a natural liking for some activity and the likelihood of success in it. a mechanical aptitude bent is nearly equal to aptitude but it stresses inclination perhaps more than specific ability. a family with an artistic bent talent suggests a marked natural ability that needs to be developed. has enough talent to succeed genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability. has no great genius for poetry knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance. the knack of getting along

Examples of knack in a Sentence

She has a knack for telling interesting stories. The jazz musician has an incredible knack for improvisation.

Recent Examples on the Web

 And Redskins seventh-round cornerback Jimmy Moreland has shown a knack for tracking down passes thrown in his direction. — Michael Middlehurst-schwartz, USA TODAY, "NFL preseason winners, losers: Patriots reload, while Colts, Chargers take hits," 23 Aug. 2019 Adams, more than any other Lion this preseason, has shown a knack for creating turnovers. — Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press, "Inside the Detroit Lions: Having 'bad intentions' a good thing on defense," 18 Aug. 2019 Hogan, who has good size and strength at 6-3, 217 pounds, has shown a knack for using his body and making tough, contested catches down the field. — Joel A. Erickson, Indianapolis Star, "Colts camp observations: Deon Cain, Reece Fountain add to intense receiver competition," 10 Aug. 2019 Devers, the most productive hitter for the Sox this season, has shown a knack for staying on pitches to the opposite field and driving them with authority. — Julian Mcwilliams, BostonGlobe.com, "Eduardo Rodriguez, bats lift Red Sox past Dodgers," 12 July 2019 Connolly also has shown a knack for making plays when given the chance, compiling nine tackles for losses, including 3.5 sacks, over the past three seasons. — Michael Lev, azcentral, "Counting down the most valuable Arizona Wildcats for 2019 football season," 9 July 2019 In her short and rapidly expanding career, Pugh has shown a knack for transformation. — Washington Post, "Florence Pugh goes down a dark rabbit hole in ‘Midsommar’," 28 June 2019 In her short and rapidly expanding career, Pugh has shown a knack for transformation. — Jake Coyle, chicagotribune.com, "Florence Pugh goes down a dark rabbit hole in ‘Midsommar’," 28 June 2019 Zach Allen has a knack for batting down passes The Cardinals’ rookie defensive end, who has assumed a starting role since the release of Darius Philon, continues to impress. — Bob Mcmanaman, azcentral, "5 things we learned about Arizona Cardinals in preseason loss to Vikings," 25 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'knack.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of knack

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

History and Etymology for knack

Middle English knak

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More Definitions for knack

knack

noun
How to pronounce knack (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of knack

: an ability, talent, or special skill needed to do something

See the full definition for knack in the English Language Learners Dictionary

knack

noun
\ ˈnak How to pronounce knack (audio) \

Kids Definition of knack

1 : a natural ability : talent She has a knack for making friends.
2 : a clever or skillful way of doing something : trick Skating is easy once you get the knack.

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More from Merriam-Webster on knack

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with knack

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for knack

Spanish Central: Translation of knack

Nglish: Translation of knack for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of knack for Arabic Speakers

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