[go: up one dir, main page]

Definition of clevernext
1
2
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

3
4
5

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 Cybercriminals have found a clever new way to get phishing emails straight into inboxes. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026 And the big reveal, so preciously protected until the very end, isn’t clever enough to distract from such a muted build-up. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 8 Jan. 2026 Available in heights of up to 48 inches, this pen can contain some of the most active and clever dogs. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026 The health care industry's reliance on tech comes into play in a surprisingly clever way. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clever
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clever
Adjective
  • Based on the Qiushi article, the government is expected to implement more innovative and targeted measures, Michelle Kwok, HSBC’s head of Asia real estate and Hong Kong equity research, wrote in a report Thursday.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
  • At this exclusive, high-energy event, the world’s most innovative leaders will convene to explore how AI, humanity, and strategy converge to redefine, again, the future of work.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Caterpillar’s intelligent product lineup spans core construction and earthmoving equipment, along with connected site systems.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Conversely, if these foundations can be reinforced, even partially, the intelligent age may yet fulfil its promise of progress.
    Klaus Schwab, Time, 5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Fueled by vengeance and cunning ambition, Ashur rises from betrayal and bloodshed to seize power, gouging out a place for the House of Ashur in a new arena full of violence, desire, and twisted loyalty.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The elaborate scheme, masterminded by members of four Mafia families in collusion with celebrity athletes, ensnared unsuspecting victims, bleeding them of over $7 million through cunning deception, prosecutors said in the indictment.
    Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Bode will play Greta Mills, Ro’s smart, witty and ambitious research partner who unwittingly becomes entangled in the film’s violent conflict.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 7 Jan. 2026
  • In late April, love gets chatty and playful when Venus enters Gemini, followed by electric Uranus, bringing sparks through conversation, witty banter, spontaneous plans and flirting that starts as a joke and ends in a date.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Some lean into local sourcing, others spotlight inventive beverage programs or embrace dietary inclusivity.
    Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 9 Jan. 2026
  • With an inventive concept inspired by the Dutch series De Verraders and a superbly dressed host, The Traitors is a murder mystery game show par excellence.
    Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Yet these touches are never extreme or imaginative or entertaining enough to match, say, the wild ride that was The Hunting Wives.
    Judy Berman, Time, 8 Jan. 2026
  • With a new season of The Masked Singer comes a new crop of imaginative costumes for the celebrity vocalists to disguise themselves in.
    Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • An elastic waistband stays comfortable for hours, making this a smart pick for long flights or full travel days.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
  • There are smart-looking couples in the mix, too, snagging a romantic getaway in the heart of Austin—near live music, bars, and restaurants and just 10 miles from the airport.
    Kathryn Streeter, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Collaborating with industry leaders, academic institutions and others to ensure Iowa develops a skilled workforce for the growing nuclear energy sector.
    Marissa Payne, Des Moines Register, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The only problem is that Mason Graham, Carson Schwesinger, Quinshon Judkins and Harold Fannin aren’t skilled at throwing passes or blocking defensive linemen.
    Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clever.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clever. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on clever

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!