1
as in ability
mental skill or quickness
it takes real cleverness to find a way around the rules
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in skill
subtle or imaginative ability in inventing, devising, or executing something
the undeniable cleverness of the negotiator, who managed to get each side to believe that they had won
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in creativity
the skill and imagination to create new things
Cole Porter's overall cleverness with words, including his effortless ability to rhyme and pun
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cleverness
Why Border Collies Excel This display of canine cleverness comes as no surprise to experts.
—
Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
At times, Kavalier is played as a type of Willy Wonka figure, but without any of Wonka’s cleverness.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
What connects them is the cleverness of the writing and the ability of their actors to sell even the silliest of jokes.
—Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
At times, Kavalier is played as a type of Willy Wonka figure, but without any of Wonka’s cleverness.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
What connects them is the cleverness of the writing and the ability of their actors to sell even the silliest of jokes.
—Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleverness
Noun
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The ability to generate mid-infrared light efficiently could also open new frontiers in chemical and environmental analysis.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Sep. 2025
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And only recently, new large language models in artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, promise to greatly expand our ability to manipulate and employ enormous quantities of data.—
Alan Lightman
September 12,
Literary Hub,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Both injuries have significant implications for fantasy, as Jacory Croskey-Merritt is assured more touches in Washington moving forward; in Green Bay, Matthew Golden will have more chances to show his skills with Reed out in Week 3 and beyond.—
Jess Bryant,
New York Times,
14 Sep. 2025
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Now, a rapidly changing world has little patience for those whose skills don’t swiftly evolve or adapt.—
Dr. Jonathan Reichental,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Kensington Grey kicked off New York Fashion Week in style with its KG Afties NYFW event, spotlighting Black fashion influencers who continue to shape culture and creativity in the industry.—
Corein Carter,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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As the demographics reverse, smaller labor pools are available and more creativity is needed by employers to build a team.—
Amy Lindgren,
Twin Cities,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
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While he may be known for his comedic prowess, his previous performances, such as in Requiem for a Dream and Respect, show the actor’s underrated versatility.—
Essence,
Essence,
18 Sep. 2025
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During a visit to Taiwan last month, Anduril founder Palmer Luckey hailed the island’s manufacturing capabilities and technological prowess.—
Wayne Chang,
CNN Money,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The Bronx Bombers could add talent in free agency, especially considering the Yankees might lose Cody Bellinger this winter.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
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Then the focus automatically becomes about engaging a diverse slate of talent that can evolve thinking and generate unconventional solutions.—
Heather V. MacArthur,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Despite being outnumbered 50-to-1 by the Five Families of the Italian mafia, The Westies’ legendary brutality and cunning have given them the leverage necessary to share the spoils through a fragile détente.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
9 Sep. 2025
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Luke Shaw’s technique and cunning at centre-back deserved to be better rewarded.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
18 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Governments, investors, and operators must align on a broader, more modern definition of infrastructure—and act together with urgency and imagination.—
Maurice Obeid,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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In an atmosphere of repression and fear, these women discover courage, solidarity, and the power of imagination through the simple transformative act of reading together.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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As robotics continues to advance, systems like HITTER point to a future where machines are strong and capable and agile and adaptable, able to perform tasks with the speed and finesse once thought to be uniquely human.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Sep. 2025
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The images use natural light to bring this idea to life with finesse.—
Thomas Waller,
Footwear News,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cleverness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleverness. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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