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 But now big-name promoters are finding ingenious ways to infuse modern-day Carnival fetes with the spiritual ritual that is Carnival. Baz Dreisinger, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025 Which is why this 4-Ingredient Boursin Pasta is so ingenious. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025 Nope — via a device ingenious in its ubiquity: basic cable. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 4 Apr. 2025 The five of them team up to foil Hathaway's big military test of the system, in their usual eccentrically ingenious way. ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ingenious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingenious
Adjective
  • Over the course of his three decade-spanning career from the 1950s through 1980s, Krause has designed sets for over 180 productions, earning acclaim for his inventive and elegant visual style.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Loewe may be entering a new chapter, but the house’s commitment to supporting the work of the world’s most accomplished and inventive craftspeople isn’t showing any signs of wavering.
    Liam Hess, Vogue, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The clever exploration of contrasts — marrying delicate fabrics, soft palettes, and masculine silhouettes — was the label’s unique formula for winning over fashion’s insiders, including powerhouse Moda Operandi.
    Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The film follows 11-year-old Caroline (Johnson), a clever, sharp-eyed girl navigating a life of excitement and peril as a shoplifter with her mom Jocelyn (Williams).
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Conservation groups say the spill catalyzed innovative restoration work across the Gulf Coast, but are alarmed at the recent halt of a flagship land-creation project in Louisiana.
    Jack Brook, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Serving on the Ralph Lowe Energy Institute board has reinforced my dedication to resource management and exploring innovative and sustainable solutions.
    Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The show, aimed at 4-8s, follows the adventures of two imaginative siblings who stumble upon VR headsets that take them to Storyland, a world built on iconic stories from Indian mythology and folklore.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Theater is a dynamic environment for imaginative people to do cool things, and audiences will opt in.
    Ashley Lee, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Then there was the more recent event when McMahon shockingly returned to WWE after retiring, which seemed to have an effect on Triple H's creative plans, and Stephanie McMahon soon left the board.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Without pedigree or privilege, Taylor forged his own leadership style—one that blends creative vision, market instinct, and a deep understanding of culture.
    Ali Jackson-Jolley, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ingenious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ingenious. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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