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 Penned in lucid moments, before morphine and hospice care silenced his thoughts to all but himself—the Last List takes one, hand in hand, on a last stroll back to the bygone days of an ingenious Catholic boy, a mill worker's striving son, for a final visit to beloved Lowell. —

Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024 Founded in Japan in 1984, the brand now dominates across the U.S. (in malls and bustling shopping streets) with its ingenious approach to mixing practicality with affordability, variety and technology. —

Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 11 Dec. 2024 Buy Now See Which PEOPLE Book Picks Also Made the New York Times' Top 100 of 2024 05 of 10 'James' by Percival Everett From the author of Erasure, this National Book Award winner is an ingenious riff on Huckleberry Finn as told by Jim, the enslaved man who rafts with Huck down the Mississippi. —

Lizz Schumer, People.com, 8 Dec. 2024 The puzzle Rachel had to complete — sliding all the balls into proper matching columns — was not so remarkable on its own, but the ingenious twist is that the entire puzzle platform was tied to a rope that was connected to a series of weights that would pull rope into the ocean. —

Dalton Ross, EW.com, 28 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ingenious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingenious

Adjective

Dating back to 1947, this artisanal gelateria has perfected the texture of their gelato and offers an impressive selection ranging from classics like fior di latte to inventive new flavors like iced latte pistachio cream.

Anna Haines, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
And now, inventive drink creators are adding a scoop to beverages.

Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2025