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 Microslits at its hemline add flexibility — a clever feature that prevents the shorts from digging into your thighs. Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026 Well, Ariana Grande in her first night of her Eternal Sunshine Tour in LA had a Jon Brion moment, and a clever and showstopping one at that. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 June 2026 The Spa Is The Strategy The cleverest move in the entire announcement is the venue. Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 Clumsy, heavy-handed, a little too clever maybe here and there. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for clever
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clever
Adjective
  • Film Independent is expanding the Film Independent Spirit Awards with the introduction of the Robert Redford Environmental Vision Award, a new honor recognizing narrative film and television works that engage with environmental issues through innovative and impactful storytelling.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 23 June 2026
  • Companion pieces in black titanium and white diamonds introduce a contemporary contrast while reinforcing the collection's emphasis on innovative materials and craftsmanship.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • The human brain is the ultimate existence proof that intelligent systems that are vastly more energy-efficient than today’s AI are physically possible.
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
  • It was revered for its intelligent satire of modern society and materialism, providing sight gags and slapstick humor for kids while proving relatable for young adults learning to navigate life.
    Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Daemon is one of the most clever, cunning and conniving characters in House of the Dragon, who always seems to have the upper hand.
    Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026
  • Under this light, Penelope emerges as exemplary, cunning, wounded, and trapped by the male order that praises her.
    David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • Dear Annabelle makes adorable place cards that have witty sayings or a theme.
    Mark Seliger, Vulture, 22 June 2026
  • Clive was a warm, witty, and generous friend.
    Michael Riedel, Vanity Fair, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Steven Soderbergh was determined to publish his inventive work Production 02074 exactly 51 years after the launch of its subject, Steven Spielberg‘s 1975 classic Jaws.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 22 June 2026
  • Sunnei emerged on the international scene with unexpected and inventive show concepts, and the designers share with Franco Moschino a tongue-in-cheek attitude to fashion, peppering their collections with fashion commentary.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • Ideas need crisp notes as the temperamental Moon in your 9th House opposes imaginative Neptune in your 3rd House, bringing visions and messages together.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2026
  • With its whimsical interiors, hidden passageways, and sweeping harbor views, Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House has become one of New England's most imaginative seaside estates.
    Rachel Holt, CBS News, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • But behind every chatbot, smart assistant and AI image generator sits a massive physical network.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
  • The plot sees Bonnie, now eight, increasingly drawn to a smart tablet, Lilypad, challenging her traditional toys led by Jessie.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Blending ego and empathy, Chung delivered a skilled performance that may well win over Emmy voters in the supporting actor (drama) category this cycle.
    K.J. Yossman, Variety, 19 June 2026
  • In addition to being a great student, Maddie is a skilled softball player, which her mom Jamie Lynn bragged about in May 2022.
    Sydni Ellis, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Clever.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clever. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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