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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleverness
Noun
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The ability to learn from missteps and continue forward is often what separates successful innovators from the rest.—
Mark Nevins,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025 -
The plot device of psychic abilities being tied to (and lost with) virginity is ridiculous, sexist, and better forgotten.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
23 Mar. 2025
Noun
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For aspiring thriller writers, developing this skill takes practice.—
JD Barker,
Rolling Stone,
21 Mar. 2025
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Local talent strategies allow employers to develop these skills close to the job site and tailor them to actual operational needs.—
Scott Hutcheson,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
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This global reach extends to events, talks, exhibitions, and portfolio reviews, fostering creativity and diversity in image-making.—
PhotoVogue,
Vogue,
28 Mar. 2025
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The result is a space where art has been successfully imbedded into everyday life, a seamless integration where the public easily encounters creativity while artists profit from passing footfall.—
Nina-Sophia Miralles,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The skit cunningly notes that a lot of what has been said about Smith wouldn’t be said to his face and taps nearly four decades of comedy prowess.—
Mankaprr Conteh,
Rolling Stone,
31 Mar. 2025
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Brian, an avid hunter known for his cooking prowess, owns Forest River Bean Co., and several hunting properties in the area.—
Brad Dokken,
Twin Cities,
29 Mar. 2025
Noun
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In some cases, management talent is brought in from the outside but typically there will also be internal promotions.—
Trevor Clawson,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
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This celebration of cinema showcased 93 films from 21 countries, accompanied by an array of film talent and culinary stars.—
Anne Thompson,
IndieWire,
23 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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Meanwhile, your imagination and feelings of sympathy are heightened, which makes this an excellent day for working in the arts or in counseling fields.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
29 Mar. 2025
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Mercury in Pisces is a completely different vibe — one that pulls us away from the hard facts and into the realms of intuition, imagination and spirituality.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
29 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Was there one technical thing about the process that required an even higher level of choreography and finesse in the fourth episode?—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
22 Mar. 2025
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The drink list leans heavily into rum and Latin spirits, delivering cocktails that hold their own against the fire and finesse of the kitchen.—
Keyla Vasconcellos,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Cleverness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleverness. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
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