Definition of clevernext
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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 But in the decades since PBHs were first proposed, astronomers found clever ways to narrow down their plausible range of masses, ruling out many scenarios in which these black holes could account for dark matter. Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 4 June 2026 Multiple generations of Neolithic designers relied on communal teamwork and clever construction techniques to precisely place each of the site’s gigantic megaliths about 5,000 years ago. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 4 June 2026 In Knight’s version, the stint on Earth is much shorter and actually serves the plot of the film in a few clever ways. Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 4 June 2026 Liam, too little to unlock the door, thinks of something clever to let the emergency crew inside the house. Janay Reece, CBS News, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for clever
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clever
Adjective
  • In 1898, Swiss hotelier César Ritz partnered with French chef Auguste Escoffier to open what soon became known as one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, thanks to such then-innovative touches as private bathrooms, telephones, and electricity in each room.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Designed for fans and collectors, this innovative accessory folds completely flat to display a character-specific Bounty Hunter ID.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • When the heavy lifting of data synthesis and standard analysis is supported by intelligent systems, workers are free to elevate their thinking.
    Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
  • Accelerating technological innovation Beyond software development, BYD is also investing heavily in the underlying hardware required for intelligent vehicles.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • What could be more cunning and disgusting than training dogs to commit anal rape?
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026
  • Dano’s static line delivery gets used for a chilling but laconic effect as his character’s cunning political negotiations lead to deadly outcomes.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • The service The staff are gentle but also fun, witty and joyful, such as Rini, who can answer almost any question on Bawah; Nintya who handles landscaping and permaculture; and the waiter Julian, who likes to practice his English accent.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • To make the musical masterpiece of his dreams, Lestat will have to break on through his shell of witty cruelty and hope an authentic soul remains intact beneath it.
    Judy Berman, Time, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Once upon a time, Iran had a tech scene as vibrant as any in the world—one full of inventive young people, visionary entrepreneurs, expatriated mentors, and investors who spanned continents.
    Bozorgmehr Sharafedin, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026
  • Rest competes with duties as the moody Moon moves through your 12th House of Solitude, opposite inventive Uranus in your 6th House of Work and Well-being.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Watermelon Pool was first published in Korea in 2015, and this new English translation brings its wonderfully surreal story and artwork to a new audience of imaginative young fans.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
  • Super Cars Are Now An Immersive Experience Unlike Mattel’s die cast cars lines, which represent both production and super cars as well as imaginative modifications and are intended for light play and display, Brick Shop is designed to allow the average car fan to become a builder and designer.
    Scotty Reiss, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • Many professionals spend years trying to sound smarter, calmer, more agreeable, or more polished while gradually losing trust in their natural instincts and communication style.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
  • GreenLife brings smart design and colorful style to your everyday cooking with this Compact Stainless Steel Saucepan Set.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • Workshop bookings from tourists are helping skilled craftspeople stay in business — and keeping the techniques themselves from disappearing.
    Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026
  • Evergreen Valley College sits right in the heart of East San José and produces talented, skilled graduates who are ready to work.
    Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 29 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Clever.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clever. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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