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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 Thanks to his clever punchlines that carry zero sting, the biggest names in TV can leave the ceremony with unbruised egos. Erin Jensen, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025 Yelena begrudgingly agrees, and from the start, this decision is a clever lift on religious iconography, as if Mother Mary took up arms against the Roman forces herself instead of letting her Son be crucified. Zachary Lee, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2025 His other big distraction is xAI Holdings, a clever piece of private market financial engineering. John Hyatt, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 And some of them are downright clever. Melanie Marshall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clever
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clever
Adjective
  • Often, the most innovative solutions come from combining AI insights with human wisdom from diverse sources.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • What transpired were innovative and somewhat futuristic trousers, blazers, and outerwear.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Ultimately, when used thoughtfully, AI can be not only a governance tool but also a catalyst for a more intelligent, inclusive and resilient corporate future.
    Michael Hilb, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Now there’s a new high-tech member of that team ready to weigh in on just what Ralph Lauren fashion is as Ask Ralph relaunches Tuesday as an artificially intelligent shopping experience on the brand’s app.
    Evan Clark, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Bening will costar on the series as Beulah Jackson, who's described as the powerful, cunning, and charming head of a major ranch in Texas.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Joan Silber is a contemporary genius at creating artful stories of a multitude of characters who ricochet in cunning ways, crossing generations and continents.
    Jane Ciabattari September 2, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • His witty, sarcastic, and often controversial commentary is the soundtrack to a generation of wrestling fans.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Bazooka Joe invited 12 star athletes for a new collaboration, which combines the original theme of Joe delivering witty jokes with an informative component involving each sport.
    Shane Young, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s humor, insight, and a ton of catchy and inventive premises here.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Still, these issues fade into the background as you’re presented with some of the most inventive and subversive artistic creations of 2025.
    Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This sculptural Snoopy mug brings the scene to life, featuring the dog in his heroic Flying Ace outfit (which doubles as an adorable Halloween costume idea), scarf and goggles in place, ready for imaginative aerial battles.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Again, bold and daring and wild changes, sure, but also imaginative and illuminating.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • See our review The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is bigger and smarter, just don’t expect more power The six-figure 2025 Lexus LX Hybrid takes full-size luxury to new heights.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Portable smart tire pressure monitors screw onto the valve stem and connect to your phone, offering real-time updates and alerts for slow leaks.
    Melanie Marshall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • TikTok users flooded the comments with emotional and humorous reactions.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
  • One humorous video created by comedian Jon Lajoie depicts Jesus sparring with the Easter Bunny in a podcast.
    Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clever.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clever. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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