INGENIOUS Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

ingenious

adjective

in-ˈjēn-yəs

Definition of ingenious next

as in inventive

having the skill and imagination to create new things an ingenious but rather eccentric inventor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in clever

showing a noteworthy use of the imagination and creativity especially in inventing a chair that can't tip over is quite ingenious

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 But those who skipped Death are now targets of ingenious kills in salons, gyms, drive-thru restaurants, and hardware stores. —

Michael Lee Simpson, EW.com, 26 Oct. 2024 Pair yours with moto boots and an oversized barn jacket or leather bomber for an ingenious juxtaposition. —

Laura Lajiness Kaupke, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2024 His ingenious design has been further slimmed by 0.2 centimeters, now measuring just 0.65 centimeters—the width of a shoelace or smartphone case. —

Andrea Lewis, Architectural Digest, 24 Oct. 2024 Apparently, Astin — who played the honorable Mikey opposite Quan’s ingenious Data in Richard Donner’s beloved 1985 adventure film — has a flair for the dramatic off-camera, as well. —

Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ingenious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingenious

Adjective

Looking back on his career, Jones bristled at the idea that his later achievements were due to his stature and connections rather than consistently inventive musicianship.

August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
With the sound of clinking wine glasses, tastes of inventive veggies, and the voice of an award-winning chef, the Courier Journal's new dinner series kicked off Sunday at a popular Highlands restaurant.

Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 4 Nov. 2024