Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ingenious differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ingenious are adroit, clever, and cunning. While all these words mean "having or showing practical wit or skill in contriving," ingenious suggests the power of inventing or discovering a new way of accomplishing something.

an ingenious software engineer

In what contexts can adroit take the place of ingenious?

The meanings of adroit and ingenious largely overlap; however, adroit often implies a skillful use of expedients to achieve one's purpose in spite of difficulties.

an adroit negotiator

When is it sensible to use clever instead of ingenious?

The words clever and ingenious can be used in similar contexts, but clever stresses physical or mental quickness, deftness, or great aptitude.

a person clever with horses

When might cunning be a better fit than ingenious?

Although the words cunning and ingenious have much in common, cunning implies great skill in constructing or creating.

a filmmaker cunning in his use of special effects

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 ingenious The Wayans family have been a transformative, pioneering staple with entertainment for decades—notably since Keenen Ivory Wayans created the disruptive and ingenious sketch comedy series, In Living Color. Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 13 Feb. 2025 Finely ground vanilla wafer cookies are used instead of flour in this ingenious recipe. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2025 An arrangement by Thomas Adès of Conlon Nancarrow’s Study No. 6, one of his ingenious player-piano exercises, somehow transformed complex rhythmic layerings into a blithe, tipsy rumba. Zachary Woolfe, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025 Nature's ingenious design Pine cones have these amazing scales that respond to moisture. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 6 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ingenious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingenious
Adjective
  • And the puzzles are all wildly inventive and unique.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The bottom line: The price point at Fet Fisk is reasonable for such an inventive and wonderful menu.
    Ryan Deto, Axios, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Their techniques are clever, and reveal interesting things about how large language models work.
    Alex Reisner, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Using bookcases as stands for your food and drinks is another clever way to create creative displays.
    Nora Colomer, Fox News, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Tokito: The 540-Day Journey of a Culinary Maverick (Japan) Maverick chef Yoshinori Ishii, an internationally renowned two-star Michelin chef, returns to Japan to transform a historic restaurant in Tokyo into an innovative auberge.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2025
  • This innovative utensil uses a mild electric current to simulate a salty taste without adding sodium, offering a potential breakthrough for those on low-sodium diets.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • His imaginative and surreal architectural style is showcased throughout the city, offering a unique experience of creativity and vision.
    David Nikel, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Common uses for paper towels range from wiping down countertops after cooking to blotting grease from bacon, but some of the more imaginative ways to use disposable towels around the house may surprise you.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Brett Alan Nelson, Doja Cat’s stylist and creative director is behind this brilliant look.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 3 Mar. 2025
  • However, this year will focus on songwriters and behind-the-scenes insights into the creative process.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ingenious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ingenious. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

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