Definition of ingeniousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ingenious differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ingenious are adroit, clever, and cunning. While all these words mean "having or showing practical wit or skill in contriving," ingenious suggests the power of inventing or discovering a new way of accomplishing something.

an ingenious software engineer

In what contexts can adroit take the place of ingenious?

The meanings of adroit and ingenious largely overlap; however, adroit often implies a skillful use of expedients to achieve one's purpose in spite of difficulties.

an adroit negotiator

When is it sensible to use clever instead of ingenious?

The words clever and ingenious can be used in similar contexts, but clever stresses physical or mental quickness, deftness, or great aptitude.

a person clever with horses

When might cunning be a better fit than ingenious?

Although the words cunning and ingenious have much in common, cunning implies great skill in constructing or creating.

a filmmaker cunning in his use of special effects

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 ingenious Essentially the question before the high court is whether that technique is ingenious, Orwellian, or both? Nina Totenberg, NPR, 27 Apr. 2026 When living in a small home or apartment, every inch of space is precious, which is why this ingenious kitchen island is a must-have. Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026 What follows is a wild ride through an ingenious and audacious bid for the World Cup, set against a high-energy backdrop of Mexico in the 1980s. Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2026 According to the authors, there are only two other cases in the scientific literature that are comparable to Bruce’s ingenious adaptation. ArsTechnica, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ingenious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingenious
Adjective
  • Interest is surging in the tiny, bulbous legumes sometimes met with a shrug, as more Americans increasingly seek out cheap, healthy and inventive food.
    Joe Hernandez, NPR, 18 May 2026
  • Cocktails are a mix of classic and inventive, with a carrot-ginger-turmeric juice laced with tequila gracing the Ninety Acres menu for fall and a martini paired with caviar in the Great Room.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • But the most clever way to take advantage of this trend?
    Diana Tsui, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
  • This clever ruse thwarted the late-summer naval attack.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Sign up for our weekly, original newsletter that goes beyond the annual Disruptor 50 list, offering a closer look at list-making companies and their innovative founders.
    Krysta Escobar, CNBC, 19 May 2026
  • Goldschmied exits Daily Blue to launch Goldie, another woman’s jeans brands characterized by innovative production techniques like the use of pigments and garment dyeing.
    Maria Cristina Pavarini, Footwear News, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • While the work influenced him, he was especially struck by the painting’s imaginative details and seemingly futuristic vision.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
  • Using large-format Polaroid film and primarily shooting in his Paris studio, Roversi’s dream-like and imaginative compositions have been able to transcend time.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Leah became chief creative officer of the niche fragrance line Skylar and was on Forbes’s 2026 30 Under 30 list for her social media reach.
    Anna Peele, Vanity Fair, 14 May 2026
  • The creative team is not so much interested in nostalgia but feels there is a timely urgency behind revisiting the model’s life.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Stramp said Koeninger, who has a 6-foot-3, 210 pound frame, is the most talented to every come through the program, and emphasized his variety of tools, which includes elite fielding, pitching and hitting.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 May 2026
  • And there is one factor above all else that explains why the terrifically talented trio is hitting so terribly.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ingenious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ingenious. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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