1
as in innovative
showing a noteworthy use of the imagination and creativity especially in inventing
an inventor who was constantly coming up with clever devices for doing everyday chores
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind
a clever student figured out a trick to do the assignment faster
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in cunning
skillful with the hands
the Shakers were clever artisans who created many ingenious and highly useful devices
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4
as in witty
given to or marked by mature intelligent humor
a clever joke that requires a little bit of thought on the part of the listener
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5
as in inventive
having the skill and imagination to create new things
I wonder what clever person thought of the digital camera
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clever
In fact, feathers are one of evolution’s cleverest inventions.
—
Kate Wong, Scientific American, 1 May 2026
The team noticed a similarly clever metal arrangement in the pincers.
—Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 1 May 2026
Here, the trio sharpens its focus, marrying clever production with the soul-eating intensity that propelled its rise.
—Dean Van Nguyen, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2026
Need to Know The Italian Leather Dual Compartment Toiletry Bag from Quince has a clever design that fits two weeks' worth of travel essentials.
—Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clever
Kate Wong, Scientific American, 1 May 2026
The team noticed a similarly clever metal arrangement in the pincers.
—Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 1 May 2026
Here, the trio sharpens its focus, marrying clever production with the soul-eating intensity that propelled its rise.
—Dean Van Nguyen, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2026
Need to Know The Italian Leather Dual Compartment Toiletry Bag from Quince has a clever design that fits two weeks' worth of travel essentials.
—Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clever
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clever
Adjective
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Expecting the largest gathering of Guild and Television Academy voters outside Los Angeles and New York, the event offers a unique platform for innovative storytelling, cementing Newport Beach as a hub for creative excellence in the evolving landscape of television.—
William Earl,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2026
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But because the field has long existed slightly under the radar, many artists have been free to develop innovative approaches—such as fabric manipulation or, in my case, fabric assemblage.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Cold, calculating and highly intelligent, Dedra saw the rebellion coming when none of her other peers did.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
3 May 2026
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Here, intelligent driving features are ubiquitous, even in affordable models.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
Adjective
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There’s arguably no one better placed to collaborate with VFX artists on a motion-capture performance than Serkis, who’s delivered innocence, cunning, cruelty, longing, and kindness in roles that run from Golum to Caesar to King Kong himself.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
4 May 2026
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As Michael moves into solo stardom and makes cunning business moves, the film captures how his seemingly naive idealism was also a form of ambition.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Aline Brosh McKenna’s script is sharp and witty.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2026
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The starry voice cast delivers on all fronts, especially with lines provided by Mazin’s witty and wise script.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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At one point, Obama asked the architects to think of the works of Constantin Brancusi, the modernist sculptor known for his inventive shapes and textures.—
Peter Slevin,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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Most of these inventive interpretations for the foreign territories have never been seen in person.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
These imaginative designs often used minimalist imagery and sci-fi characters not even included in the films, yet helped establish a particular mood, tone, and emotion to entice fans into their seats.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
4 May 2026
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Hill House offers a broad sizing range that tends to run from XXXS to XXXXL with a generous, flowy fit that feels cute to wear but never restrictive -- an ideal combo for imaginative or active play.—
Kelsey Legg,
ABC News,
4 May 2026
Adjective
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Semi-custom is, of course, cheaper and quicker to build than full bespoke, making a smart, low-stress entry point into yacht ownership.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
2 May 2026
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Niko Medved is very smart, very clever at using that zone.—
Charley Walters,
Twin Cities,
2 May 2026
Adjective
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This episode is a showcase for Aleida’s unapologetic, highly skilled direct communications style.—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
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Effective programs have shown a significant impact in building engineering pipelines, resulting in high numbers of full-time, highly skilled hires.—
Mike Kelleher,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clever.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clever. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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