1
as in ability
mental skill or quickness
it takes real cleverness to find a way around the rules
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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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
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
Another owner proudly mentioned her Corgi, known for its cleverness and ability to find its way home.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 23 Mar. 2026
But this is where MadEvolve really shines with its cleverness.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 22 Mar. 2026
Such is the cleverness of the writing.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
As to the famous fine line between stupid and clever, the stupidity and the cleverness are all but inextricable, and to the point.
—Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Gartside tended to lead with the deconstructionist angle on his writing, and most critics seemed to take it as a given that all the lovey-dovey stuff was conceptual cleverness, a way of infiltrating pop and turning its lingua franca in on itself.
—Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 15 Feb. 2026
Choose kindness over cleverness, warmth over wit, empathy over one-upmanship.
—Glenn Kurlander, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026
The narrative cleverness would only go so far, however, if it were not expertly brought to life.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 26 Jan. 2026
Brian Truitt, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
Another owner proudly mentioned her Corgi, known for its cleverness and ability to find its way home.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 23 Mar. 2026
But this is where MadEvolve really shines with its cleverness.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 22 Mar. 2026
Such is the cleverness of the writing.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
As to the famous fine line between stupid and clever, the stupidity and the cleverness are all but inextricable, and to the point.
—Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Gartside tended to lead with the deconstructionist angle on his writing, and most critics seemed to take it as a given that all the lovey-dovey stuff was conceptual cleverness, a way of infiltrating pop and turning its lingua franca in on itself.
—Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 15 Feb. 2026
Choose kindness over cleverness, warmth over wit, empathy over one-upmanship.
—Glenn Kurlander, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026
The narrative cleverness would only go so far, however, if it were not expertly brought to life.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 26 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleverness
Noun
-
But unlike at some jungle retreats, which demand a certain ability to rough it, even the most spider-averse will feel at home here—kids in particular.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The Leo moon tests your ability to lighten up when unexpected pleasures come knocking.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Sure, the equipment is better, the skill level higher, the compensation astronomical.—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
26 Mar. 2026
-
What looks at first like a cooking class, is actually a doctor's appointment designed to help children and families build real-life skills around food and health.—
Breana Pitts,
CBS News,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Your creativity is also doing something quietly remarkable.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
-
November 22 – December 21 A single spark of inspiration can unleash a wildfire of creativity.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
On May 1, Taylor will bring her fiery prowess to Heritage Barbecue for a one-night, 42-seat dinner alongside lauded pitmaster Daniel Castillo.—
Brock Keeling,
Oc Register,
30 Mar. 2026
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Throughout his time at Ontario High and Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, Glover also added football into the mix and ultimately became best known for his wrestling prowess (despite feeling quite intimidated by his college teammate at the time, Chuck Liddell, who ultimately became an MMA star).—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But without freedom, Berdyaev writes, creativeness is impossible.—
Andrew McDiarmid,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Some programs have built their identity on hard coaching or amassing the most talent possible, and while Campbell isn’t soft on his players, he’s opted to create a culture of joy that’s led to TCU signing Van Lith and Miles.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Mar. 2026
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But fans online have panned the card for lacking top talent such as former two-division champion Jon Jones, who requested his release from the UFC immediately after being excluded from the White House show.—
Will Weissert,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The Brazil international combines technical craft with a decisive cunning.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
21 Mar. 2026
-
But Muck is no Epstein, malevolent and cunning.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But this is not extreme demands by any stretch of the imagination.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The world of dance has leapt long in fashion’s collective imagination—but the reign of the ballet flat may, finally, be twirling off.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cleverness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleverness. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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