Definition of clevernext
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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 The drones over Chapel Hill aren’t just a clever replacement for fireworks. Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 The dessert is a clever combination of some of Sam's best products. Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 30 June 2026 The design isn’t all that discreet, and the clever engineering is undermined by hardware limitations, such as the lack of weatherproofing and the fiddly arms that secure it to your neck. Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 30 June 2026 The option to stay overnight in a tranquil Asaya Lodge is a clever addition. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for clever
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clever
Adjective
  • The Bay is an innovative redevelopment project that's created a signature public park along Sarasota Bay.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • The NACo Achievement Awards recognize innovative county programs that improve services for residents, upgrade working conditions or enhance public participation.
    Howard County Times, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • The robot staff behind the scenes Pudu's FlashBot will run an intelligent vending system, allowing guests to order drink deliveries by smartphone.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • His after-game interviews were always intelligent and sometimes humorous.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • That doesn't enable cunning and unprincipled men to subvert the power of the people.
    Lori A Bashian , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
  • For decades, humans mined antibiotic molecules from microbes and tweaked them to develop new drugs, staying ahead of evolution’s cunning countermeasures.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Weeks’ mother described her daughter as passionate about music and justice, witty and compassionate.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • Brought to you by Emma Seligman, Shiva Baby is a comedy memorable for its distinctive storyline, witty dialogue, and stellar performances—especially from Molly Gordon, Dianna Agron, and star Rachel Sennott.
    Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • That disposition compounded into the richest, most inventive society the world has ever seen.
    Anthony Scaramucci, Fortune, 28 June 2026
  • As the clock ticked toward halftime, the Canadians got a little more inventive and put more pressure on the Bafana Bafana penalty area.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • The chef’s love for British ingredients and imaginative flavor profiles, coupled with the fact that its menu is entirely dairy- and gluten-free makes its offering quite unique.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026
  • Del Toro remains one of Hollywood’s most imaginative visual entertainers, and the prospect of visiting his long-dormant underworld later in 2026 promises not just fresh nostalgia but maybe even total immersion.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Share a smart idea with a neighbor, then turn it into a clear message while your mind stays agile.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
  • The Knicks could, hypothetically, trade a starter to create space beneath the second apron to re-sign Robinson, but breaking up a starting five that just won a title is not a smart idea.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • The plebeians have plenty to be furious about, but their representatives, skilled at turning a crowd into a mob, seem hellbent on shoring up their own influence.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • It is stored in plain text in RAM and can theoretically be accessed by administrators, cloud operators, hypervisors, or highly skilled attackers through malware, insider threats, or side-channel attacks.
    Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Clever.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clever. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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