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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

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 clever At the heart of this movement are not just clever technologies but also bold ideas that extend the lifespan of creativity and craftsmanship. Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025 And so the animation team at MPC were already doing some clever things by taking their own motion capture of themselves and converting it into quadrupedal movement as a way to expedite the creation of our shooting scenes. Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 13 Jan. 2025 This clever Amazon find packs style and practicality into a design that will help your entryway stay tidy. Wendy Vazquez, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2025 The first was a clever deflection off the skate and the other was a shot off the post that made the in-arena staff blow the goal horn. Omar White, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for clever 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clever
Adjective
  • Renowned for its authentic products and innovative features, HKMLC stands at the forefront of smart technology, offering immersive and sustainable solutions tailored to meet the demands of both education and business sectors.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Chip advises organizations on innovative service—delivering experiences that are value-unique, not just value-added; imaginative, not just generous.
    Chip Bell, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • As a mix of two energetic and intelligent breeds, Shepskies require substantial exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent training.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Therefore, a comprehensive approach to data operations—including intelligent data management and adaptive data platforms—is essential for generating trustworthy insights.
    Pawan Vadapalli, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The episode also introduced Andy Garcia as Galino, a powerful and cunning cartel boss.
    Greg Braxton, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Black Friday had become a competitive event requiring planning and cunning to get the good deals first.
    Mary Meehan, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Sweeney’s cast — there are excellent turns from Aisling Franciosi (The Nightingale, Speak No Evil) and Abbott Elementary’s Chris Perfetti — deploy their witty retorts, bleak sentiments and existential worries at a bracing and confident clip.
    Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Jan. 2025
  • His posts often include witty comments on current events, playful interactions with his followers, and humorous takes on his own experiences.
    Eric Fuller, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This stylish kitchen and bar also offers inventive takes on classic cocktails and a diverse selection of draft beers, many from Virginia breweries.
    Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Still, the Silo is an inventive, absorbing setting, rendered in a retro-futurist mid-century style that compensates for the bleakness.
    Daniel A. Gross, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Her perceptions transform the reality of migration into an imaginative experience of initiation.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Chip advises organizations on innovative service—delivering experiences that are value-unique, not just value-added; imaginative, not just generous.
    Chip Bell, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, the Flow 2 truly shines with these smart features.
    Ben Sin, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
  • That led to his breakout success with The Elephant Man, starring John Hurt as the friendly and smart but disfigured title character in Victorian England and Anthony Hopkins as the doctor who tries to treat him.
    Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The film takes viewers through her journey, filled with humorous and heartfelt moments, from open mic nights at comedy clubs to glamorous charity events, all set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City.
    Veronica Villafañe, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
  • The Acid Comedy of Thomas Schütte: In a MoMA retrospective filled with humorous angst, the German sculptor offers a prime 2025 resolution: Don’t run from failure.
    Laurel Graeber, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near clever

Cite this Entry

“Clever.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clever. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

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