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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleverness
Noun
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The creative ability and commitment of filmmakers to bring to life compelling stories that offer a deeper understanding of the world is an enduring inspiration.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2025 -
Ashwagandha is enjoying a moment in the wellness spotlight, with a 254% increase in Google searches around its ability to improve sleep during the past few months.—
Fiona Embleton,
Glamour,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The combination of humor, humility, and skill made Arya stand out in a space dominated by polished perfection.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
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An All-American at Michigan, the 6-2 Johnson has size to compete with bigger receivers and has excellent ball skills.—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Founding Drive in 2004, serving as president of Boomerang, and then launching DLO Producciones in 2011, Lorenzo’s battle has been to find an stable financing context and international outlet for his creativity.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
2 May 2025
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Taken together, this week’s developments highlight how AI is only becoming a bigger friend and/or enemy of creativity.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
2 May 2025
Noun
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While state courts have increasingly dismissed climate lawsuits as meritless, superfund laws are growing in popularity as another way to gut U.S. energy prowess.—
Steve Forbes,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
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Beyond changes in personnel, another force has worked to suppress the EU’s regulatory prowess: the imperative of competitiveness.—
ANU BRADFORD,
Foreign Affairs,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Listen to this article 2 min Kate Middleton demonstrated a hidden talent while on a royal trip to Scotland with her husband, Prince William.—
Elizabeth Stanton,
FOXNews.com,
30 Apr. 2025
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Alabama is still Alabama, with plenty of talent on hand and a coach who has won everywhere he’s been.—
Seth Emerson,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Noun
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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.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
18 Mar. 2025
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Noted for his tenacity and cunning, Khamenei is also a man of conviction, and his hatred for the United States is deeply felt.—
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
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From her Imagination Library (over 200 million books given to children since 1999) to her beloved Pigeon Forge theme park, Dollywood, the Queen of Tennessee invites everyone into her colorful world of music and imagination.—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
2 May 2025
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This month, Netflix delivers a lineup that blends cultural impact, classic storytelling, and bold new voices—each offering a different lens into Black life, legacy, and imagination.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
1 May 2025
Noun
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Be persistent and patient Setting boundaries, especially in a demanding work culture, requires flexibility, courage, and finesse.—
Melody Wilding,
CNBC,
30 Apr. 2025
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The Dolphins’ new three-year plan, despite doubt about the futures of coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier, should include moving away from the speedy, flashy, finesse, high-scoring offensive approach and trying to get into the mud a lot more.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Cleverness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleverness. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
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