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
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 cleverness
Not everyone was taken with his cleverness.
—
Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
Dinklage played Tyrion Lannister, who uses his cleverness and wit to cope with his father's rejection of him.
—Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026
That Aldous Harding makes this impulse look easy without sacrificing any of the cleverness or creativity that makes her music so immediate is striking, to say the least.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 8 May 2026
If there’s cleverness to the way Lindsay-Abaire keeps passing the buck of hypocrisy between the members of the neighborhood association, there’s also a pervading sense of decorum that limits how far the satire can go.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026
The finding speaks to the cleverness of Kea (Nestor notabilis), mountain-dwelling parrots with a reputation for impish intelligence.
—Elizabeth Anne Brown, Scientific American, 20 Apr. 2026
Even so, a little magic has crept into the proceedings, with some brands concealing their cleverness in plain sight and others putting more of the horological art on display.
—Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026
And his creativity and cleverness flashed on some really slick, eyes-in-the-back-of-his-head sequences.
—Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
The humor spawned by Emma’s confession will strike some as deeply unfunny, while others might uncomfortably chuckle at its cleverness.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
Dinklage played Tyrion Lannister, who uses his cleverness and wit to cope with his father's rejection of him.
—Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026
That Aldous Harding makes this impulse look easy without sacrificing any of the cleverness or creativity that makes her music so immediate is striking, to say the least.
—Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 8 May 2026
If there’s cleverness to the way Lindsay-Abaire keeps passing the buck of hypocrisy between the members of the neighborhood association, there’s also a pervading sense of decorum that limits how far the satire can go.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026
The finding speaks to the cleverness of Kea (Nestor notabilis), mountain-dwelling parrots with a reputation for impish intelligence.
—Elizabeth Anne Brown, Scientific American, 20 Apr. 2026
Even so, a little magic has crept into the proceedings, with some brands concealing their cleverness in plain sight and others putting more of the horological art on display.
—Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026
And his creativity and cleverness flashed on some really slick, eyes-in-the-back-of-his-head sequences.
—Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
The humor spawned by Emma’s confession will strike some as deeply unfunny, while others might uncomfortably chuckle at its cleverness.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleverness
Noun
-
In one of his rougher outings of the season, Meyer showed his ability to steady himself in the middle and prevent a game from unraveling, the kind of adversity every starting pitcher is guaranteed to face at some point.—
Tyler Carmona,
Miami Herald,
21 June 2026
-
Still scoreless at halftime After 45 minutes, neither team has been able to score a goal, which will be crucial to their ability to move forward in the Round of 32.—
The Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
21 June 2026
Noun
-
On this late May evening, the 15 men gathered there were contemplating tackling something few had previously had the courage or skill to take on.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
-
Web developers and digital designers These workers build websites and apps, employing both coding and visual design skills.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
Vendors participating in JuneteethKC’s 15th annual Heritage Festival lined 18th Street to celebrate freedom, culture and creativity.—
Sophia Buonpane,
Kansas City Star,
20 June 2026
-
Mika McCants, owner and CEO of Spoiled Boutique, is the creative force behind this Juneteenth celebration that celebrates culture, creativity and community.—
Laura A. Oda,
Mercury News,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
Even so, Griner’s 6-foot-9 height and shot-blocking prowess are unique to any era.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
-
There is no disputing his scoring prowess.—
David Troy,
FOXNews.com,
23 June 2026
Noun
-
After taking over hosting duties from Padma Lakshmi in season 21, Kish is now the undeniable face of the series, one that represents the continuously evolving future of its programming, which prioritizes culinary skillfulness.—
McKinley Franklin,
HollywoodReporter,
21 June 2026
Noun
-
But without freedom, Berdyaev writes, creativeness is impossible.—
Andrew McDiarmid,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Argentina capped the night with a shutout against Algeria and with all three goals belonging to their maestro, as Messi reminded the world of his unique talents.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
21 June 2026
-
Looking back, Llamas credits his rise not to exceptional talent but to persistence, preparation, and a willingness to advocate for himself.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
21 June 2026
Noun
-
Unable to outrun the Bitchfist, the Hand earns his reputation for cunning and courage.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
22 June 2026
-
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.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cleverness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleverness. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
