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as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind a clever student figured out a trick to do the assignment faster

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective clever differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of clever are adroit, cunning, and ingenious. While all these words mean "having or showing practical wit or skill in contriving," clever stresses physical or mental quickness, deftness, or great aptitude.

a person clever with horses

When might adroit be a better fit than clever?

The words adroit and clever can be used in similar contexts, but adroit often implies a skillful use of expedients to achieve one's purpose in spite of difficulties.

an adroit negotiator

Where would cunning be a reasonable alternative to clever?

The meanings of cunning and clever largely overlap; however, cunning implies great skill in constructing or creating.

a filmmaker cunning in his use of special effects

When is it sensible to use ingenious instead of clever?

While the synonyms ingenious and clever are close in meaning, ingenious suggests the power of inventing or discovering a new way of accomplishing something.

an ingenious software engineer

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 clever This is a clever bit of curation that encourages visitors to get to know Allen, still an emerging artist, beyond her sculptures. Nina-Sophia Miralles, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 In my experience, tripod stools like this one tend to wobble on uneven ground, but GCI has solved that issue with a clever piece of fabric around the legs that stops them from splaying out. Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 28 May 2025 As a clever nod between old and new, her dress was finished with Christian Louboutin shoes. Michael Nied, People.com, 21 May 2025 For apartment dwellers and people who prefer not to dangle midair, this clever contraption looks like a window-cleaning game changer. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for clever
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clever
Adjective
  • Mat Franco – Season 9 Mat Franco made history by becoming the first magician to win the competition, thrilling audiences with his innovative sleight-of-hand tricks and engaging storytelling.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 27 May 2025
  • Achieve flawless curls or a pin-straight blowout with the innovative tool.
    Náosha Gregg, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Designing the Future of AI Artificial intelligence is powering a new generation of tools that combine logic with intelligent action.
    William Jones, USA Today, 28 May 2025
  • By freeing physicians from the need to be behind their computers during appointments, these intelligent assistants enable a more personal and engaging interaction with patients.
    Rakhee Langer, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • McLaren’s Piastri began in pole position and initially held off Verstappen before the Dutchman displayed all the brilliance, cunning and bravery that has propelled him to four world championships, holding off the brakes as long as possible and sliding around the outside on the first turn.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 18 May 2025
  • Unfortunately, Porsha isn’t cunning enough for this to work.
    Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • This time around, Lilo and Nani’s Ohana is expanded to her witty and wise neighbor Tūtū (Amy Hill), an original character, and Nani’s easygoing crush David (Kaipo Dudoit), who is retconned here as Tūtū’s grandson.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 23 May 2025
  • The film’s participants are witty, cracking jokes about on-set mics and one another.
    Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • By day, guests can visit for its inventive afternoon tea.
    Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Brazilian footwear brand Melissa and Parisian label Maldito are dipping their toes into the western footwear category with a new collaboration offering an inventive take on the cowboy boot.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • In years to come, these five films will be studied and appreciated not only as models of cinematic stealth and resourcefulness but also as a series of wry, even whimsical, self-portraits—a triumph of imaginative reflection under duress.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 May 2025
  • For Marder, the world-building became another imaginative component to explore.
    Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • The organization will help fund new ideas in smart home technologies, energy efficiency, digitization, safety and more.
    Jennifer Bradley Franklin, USA Today, 28 May 2025
  • One key to that type of extended run, says Tear, is the smart deployment of follow-up singles — songs from a popular artist that prevent listeners from getting tired of their mega-hit, but don’t necessarily get in its way, either.
    Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Galloway provides a perspective that’s at turns humorous and moving, giving new grads solid advice while entertaining them as well.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
  • It is meant to be instructional, philosophical, informative, uplifting, and sometimes humorous.
    Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clever.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clever. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.

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