1
as in ability
mental skill or quickness
it takes real cleverness to find a way around the rules
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in skill
subtle or imaginative ability in inventing, devising, or executing something
the undeniable cleverness of the negotiator, who managed to get each side to believe that they had won
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in creativity
the skill and imagination to create new things
Cole Porter's overall cleverness with words, including his effortless ability to rhyme and pun
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleverness
Noun
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With fewer staff to handle the millions of applications submitted each year, students could face longer wait times to receive their aid packages, potentially jeopardizing their ability to enroll in college on time.—
Scott White,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025 -
But Flying Lotus has a secret weapon in DP Richard Bluck, a blockbuster veteran flexing his widescreen abilities here.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Meghan Markle may host a series that shows off her skills in the kitchen, but apparently her husband Prince Harry isn’t a bad cook, either.—
Erin Hill,
People.com,
9 Mar. 2025
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With the rise of the gig economy and digital platforms, turning your existing skills into a profitable side hustle has never been easier, or more necessary.—
Melissa Houston,
Forbes,
9 Mar. 2025
Noun
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This will likely affect your love life, children or fertility matters or creativity and hobbies.—
Kyle Thomas,
People.com,
16 Mar. 2025
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Engaging in a passion outside of work offers opportunities for creativity, relaxation and personal fulfillment.—
Judy E Davidson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Their prowess on the field has shattered entrenched stereotypes, drawing lucrative sponsorships, driving record-breaking television ratings, and fostering the expansion of domestic and international women’s leagues.—
Priya Oberoi,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
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Even though Tigers — and everybody in the gym — knew Geneva was going to run things through Kirby, his prowess in the high post still caused fits.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The Sweden international’s talent has never been in question but those who have worked with the Newcastle striker describe a unique, complex personality — someone who is ridiculously driven, yet can be laid-back and withdrawn, all at once.—
Chris Waugh,
The Athletic,
14 Mar. 2025
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Each week throughout March, talent—everyone from rising beauty brand founders, to behind-the-scenes PR mavens—will discuss their career journeys, biggest inspirations, and more.—
India Espy-Jones,
Essence,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Joey Merlo’s cunning, captivating On Set With Theda Bara first lit its murky lights at the Brick a year ago — and now, in a heartening example of institutional collaboration, the Transport Group and the Lucille Lortel Theatre have pitched in as presenters to bring it back for an encore performance.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
14 Feb. 2024
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For Mirren, the cunning and cruelty of Whitfield is a timely example of power corrupting absolutely.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
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To gossip well—ethically, and aesthetically, too—a person needs sympathy alongside judgment: not merely information but imagination.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
The New Yorker,
17 Mar. 2025
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Without naming and shaming his many imitators (and inspiring angry social media posts as a result), none approach their craft with the level of imagination and creativity that Carti does.—
Mosi Reeves,
Rolling Stone,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Ultimately, though, the finesse and playfulness of the frontrunners serve to elevate the dishes of their competitors, making nearly every challenge a delicious one.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
13 Mar. 2025
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Prince William Attends Soccer Championship with Prince George After Canceling Royal Duties Prince William then joined a lesson to learn more about the finesse necessary for refereeing and try his hand at various ref skills like whistle tones and flag signals.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
11 Mar. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Cleverness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleverness. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.
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