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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
  • Achieve flawless curls or a pin-straight blowout with the innovative tool.
    Náosha Gregg, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Hawkins knows exactly how to play Laura’s cheery psychopathy and cunning cruelties, and Wong, in her first film role, gives Piper a spirited independence.
    Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • Rigg’s voice is sharp and engrossing, her characters cunning but affable.
    Isle McElroy, Vulture, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Adding witty sayings to the leaves of handheld fans, Knighten wanted to make a statement with her products in a fun and unique way.
    Ruth Etiesit Samuel, Essence, 4 June 2025
  • This bold, witty new play follows two sets of Armenian Americans: one man fighting for legal recognition in the 1920s, while a century later, his descendant fights for followers and a competent glam team.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Our public spaces will be programmed by some of the most inventive and creative teams in experiential streetscapes.
    Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Her latest release, February’s Net Work EP, features four inventive and frequently hard-hitting productions that feature collaborators including Lunice, Machinedrum and Sam Binga.
    Katie Bain, Billboard, 30 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
  • Ushering In The Electrification Era Technologies enabling smart renewable energy solutions, reliable battery-management systems and sustainable manufacturing practices are central to our electricity infrastructure.
    Henrik Mannesson, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Related article iPhone could triple in price to $3,500 if they’re made in the US, analyst warns Mohit Kumar, CEO and founder of smart ring maker Ultrahuman, has firsthand experience shifting production of a tech product to the US from India.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Popular posts might feature a photo with a humorous caption, an anonymous confession, or a detailed technical answer to a complex question.
    Dan Cody Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
  • In his feature debut, Dupont follows the two men with a sense of empathetic detachment and an appreciation for fine detail and humorous dialogue.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 3 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clever.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clever. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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