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

Relevance

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 Craig Golden and Bruce Finkelman, the business partners behind Chicago’s 16 on Center have found a successful and ingenious model. —

Steve Baltin, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024 Eventually Franzen came up with an ingenious solution. —

Adam Moss, Vulture, 25 Nov. 2024 This isn’t the first time Paramount has embarked on, um, ingenious marketing campaigns, previously spearheading a viral PR run that included actors freaking out fans and ESPN commentators alike by flashing toothy smiles at MLB games. —

Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2024 The dual zippers are an ingenious feature, allowing precise ventilation and the ability to free your arms while keeping the sleeping bag otherwise zipped tight. —

Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ingenious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingenious

Adjective

From the sushi bar find sashimi, oysters and inventive maki such as unagi with mascarpone or the classic honey walnut shrimp as a tempura roll.

Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024
Winner of the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand Award (good meals under $49), this is where the in crowd goes for inventive dishes created by famed owner Marcus Samuelsson and Kenneth Gilbert, VP of culinary operations.

Essence, Essence, 6 Dec. 2024