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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in cunning
skillful with the hands
the Shakers were clever artisans who created many ingenious and highly useful devices
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in inventive
having the skill and imagination to create new things
I wonder what clever person thought of the digital camera
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Mathematicians instead rely on a clever workaround.
—
Quanta Magazine, 6 Feb. 2026
For those traveling solo or who don’t need a kitchen, rooms can be divided up with a clever wooden bookshelf insert that was handmade for each villa.
—Jess Feldman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
The name is a clever twist on Buc-ee’s beaver mascot, inspired by a sailor’s chant for throwing things.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026
For all the celebratory footage of the happy couple, ending with a clever proposal, things aren’t, well, perfect.
—Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clever
Quanta Magazine, 6 Feb. 2026
For those traveling solo or who don’t need a kitchen, rooms can be divided up with a clever wooden bookshelf insert that was handmade for each villa.
—Jess Feldman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
The name is a clever twist on Buc-ee’s beaver mascot, inspired by a sailor’s chant for throwing things.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026
For all the celebratory footage of the happy couple, ending with a clever proposal, things aren’t, well, perfect.
—Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clever
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clever
Adjective
-
The innovative idea also focuses on reducing operational costs, minimizing the requirement for buying expensive land to build data centers.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Planeta and his team work on local, national, and international residential, corporate, mixed-use, and retail design projects, approaching each with a commitment to finding innovative solutions to its clients’ needs.—
Elizabeth Stamp,
Architectural Digest,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
In addition, Kravitz regularly serves as an appeal host, supporting nonprofit organizations in raising funds through emotionally intelligent storytelling and crowd engagement.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
-
An authority figure might be quite impressed by your speedy progress or intelligent questions.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Goldsworthy has made cunning edits of the landscape throughout Penpont.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Perhaps most perceptively captivating is the sweetly cunning way Marczak inserts himself into the film.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Instead of witty repartee or slick delivery, expect genuineness, a generosity of spirit, and a feeling of being nurtured and taken care of.—
Megan Spurrell,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Her writing is witty, and startlingly precise.—
Adelle Waldman,
The Atlantic,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The enticing menu offers the best of American cuisine but with an inventive, upscale edge.—
Courtney Cherry,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
-
This Black History Month, Milwaukee institutions, organizations, and artists are finding immersive and inventive ways to connect audiences with the richness of Black history and culture.—
Anya Sesay,
jsonline.com,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Don't forget to check out the imaginative temporary special exhibits as well.—
Elena Donovan Mauer,
Parents,
8 Feb. 2026
-
It’s all served well by the imaginative music of (mostly) Michael Koerner, delivered onstage by the duo of accordionist Victor Zupanc and guitarist Joe Cruz.—
Rob Hubbard,
Twin Cities,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The gold standard of smart watches, the Apple Watch can do just about everything your iPhone can, all from your wrist.—
John Monaco,
InStyle,
7 Feb. 2026
-
At the end of the day, Amodei said, people still enjoy interacting with other humans, with very smart and capable AI complementing them.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The pyramids, the temples, the stunning gold jewelry found in royal tombs — all of these marvels depended on practical, everyday tools wielded by skilled hands.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2026
-
There’s a shortage of skilled workers who have both the manual skills and the organizational skills needed for the sector, and there’s also competition among companies for warehouse personnel based on pay, benefits, lifestyle and more.—
Laya Neelakandan,
CNBC,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clever.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clever. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
