1
as in innovative
showing a noteworthy use of the imagination and creativity especially in inventing
an inventor who was constantly coming up with clever devices for doing everyday chores
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
3
as in cunning
skillful with the hands
the Shakers were clever artisans who created many ingenious and highly useful devices
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4
as in witty
given to or marked by mature intelligent humor
a clever joke that requires a little bit of thought on the part of the listener
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5
as in inventive
having the skill and imagination to create new things
I wonder what clever person thought of the digital camera
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clever
Melling plays that growing confidence in clever, sometimes startlingly funny ways.
—
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2026
Advanced battery tech combined with clever design allows the new lantern to check all the boxes.
—New Atlas, 20 Feb. 2026
Uses are becoming more creative, clever, plentiful, and stylish.
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026
This time, instead of pulling out another clever weapon, Peter walks straight towards his partner, insisting that Hagan has co-opted him for a dirty cause.
—Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clever
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2026
Advanced battery tech combined with clever design allows the new lantern to check all the boxes.
—New Atlas, 20 Feb. 2026
Uses are becoming more creative, clever, plentiful, and stylish.
—Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026
This time, instead of pulling out another clever weapon, Peter walks straight towards his partner, insisting that Hagan has co-opted him for a dirty cause.
—Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clever
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clever
Adjective
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Both brands have deep heritage and craftsmanship behind them, but are equally forward-looking and innovative.—
Tianwei Zhang,
Footwear News,
17 Feb. 2026
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At this exclusive, high-energy event, the world’s most innovative leaders will convene to explore how AI, humanity, and strategy converge to redefine, again, the future of work.—
Ioannis Ioannou,
Fortune,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Black bears are one of Carr's favorite animals, as their playful antics and uncanny idiosyncrasies reveal an intelligent soul behind beady eyes.—
Shi En Kim,
AZCentral.com,
20 Feb. 2026
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Heldman and Nicholson’s lucid, intelligent script thus assigns characters very different, more nuanced motivations from those we are used to in iterations of this story.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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While people born in the year of the snake are seen as charismatic, intelligent, and artistic, they are also often considered cunning and mysterious.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
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And Halston has a cunning plan.—
Kaycee Sloan,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Jenna is confident, witty, and charming in her advances, but the night doesn’t lead anywhere romantic for them.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
17 Feb. 2026
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The screenplay is being written by Sarah Heyward, known for her work on Girls and Nobody Wants This, two projects that have earned acclaim for their sharp, witty and emotionally honest writing.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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On Main Street, Majestic Repertory Theatre offers a distinctly different experience, combining a professional theater presence with bold, high-energy plays, musicals, and original works known for inventive set design, immersive elements, and a playful, sometimes provocative, approach.—
Mackenzie Jervis,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Feb. 2026
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This sleek, inventive shoulder bag is well under $100 but looks way pricier.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The fragrance has more tangible notes, too — ambrette, oud and cypriol among them — but mounting interest in fantasy-note fragrances at large indicates that the scent’s more imaginative componentry has likely been the bigger driver of its success.—
Noor Lobad,
Footwear News,
16 Feb. 2026
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The show has a Theater for Young Audiences sensibility in many ways, which is hardly surprising since it was based on the imaginative work of one so young.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Operations are fully paperless, a NORDAQ filtration system eliminates single-use plastic water bottles, and smart climate control throughout helps curb energy usage.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
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Txhoihf Door Draft Stopper A door draft stopper is a smart home pick that can help lower heating and cooling costs by keeping warmth inside during cold months and the AC inside during summer.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The judge said competent attorneys need to adhere to court evidence rules and be skilled tacticians.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
21 Feb. 2026
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Iowa’s 15 community colleges could offer bachelor’s degrees in high-demand workforce areas, such as health care, advanced manufacturing and skilled trades.—
Stephen Gruber-Miller,
Des Moines Register,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clever.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clever. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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