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 The cost is $30, which includes a 4-inch pot, all necessary art supplies, soil and a succulent. — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026 The other part of the two-pronged attack is Michael Whetstone, Suzan Wexler and our entire art department, who have transformed the back lot at Warner Brothers into West Philly. — Gregory Ellwood, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026 Preen founder Alexis Readinger helped the couple choose and place the Lewitin artworks, designing an art rail and lighting that wraps around corner walls. — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Artist concept art of the yeti animatronic from Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida. — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for art
Recent Examples of Synonyms for art
  1. craft
  2. skill
  3. trade
  4. skillfulness
Noun
  • Most phinisis are still made by Indigenous boatbuilders in South Sulawesi, but lucky for me and the rest of my group, the craft has spread to other parts of eastern Indonesia, too.
    — Annie Daly, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Since the 12th century London's guilds have nurtured generations of artisans, preserving skills while allowing each craft to evolve with every new era.
    — Divia Thani, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of craft
Noun
  • Artan is now raring to show his skills and that of his continent on the European stage.
    — Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Since the 12th century London's guilds have nurtured generations of artisans, preserving skills while allowing each craft to evolve with every new era.
    — Divia Thani, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of skill
Noun
  • E*Trade's head pitched it as clients wanting to invest, trade, bank and plan in one place.
    — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The 33-year-old played in nine games for the Miami Dolphins last season after coming out of a one-year retirement and being acquired in a trade from the New York Giants.
    — Joseph Person, New York Times, 13 Aug. 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 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on art

Nglish: Translation of art for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about art

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