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
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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
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clever
The editing is snappy and clever—the plot is interrupted here and there with what looks like ominous World War II-era newsreel footage, as well as clips from Laurence Olivier’s 1944 Henry V.
—
Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 19 June 2025
Chad Kirchner There is a clever rear cargo area arrangement that the company called Divide-n-Hide.
—Chad Kirchner, ArsTechnica, 17 June 2025
The argument that Trump has violated the 10th Amendment is a clever subversion of a line of thinking that has traditionally been backed by conservative judges, said Erwin Chemerinsky, the dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law.
—Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
That dish is clever, for sure, but it’s served in an oddly gargantuan portion, and its playful clash of textures and temperatures wears out its welcome after a bite or two.
—Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for clever
Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 19 June 2025
Chad Kirchner There is a clever rear cargo area arrangement that the company called Divide-n-Hide.
—Chad Kirchner, ArsTechnica, 17 June 2025
The argument that Trump has violated the 10th Amendment is a clever subversion of a line of thinking that has traditionally been backed by conservative judges, said Erwin Chemerinsky, the dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law.
—Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
That dish is clever, for sure, but it’s served in an oddly gargantuan portion, and its playful clash of textures and temperatures wears out its welcome after a bite or two.
—Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for clever
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clever
Adjective
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Its innovative SuperVeil-UV 360 technology helps the formula spread evenly across your skin for seamless, no-miss coverage.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
1 July 2025
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Excellent cuisine, including innovative bites at the pop-up Morimoto by Sea, a venue operated in partnership with chef Masaharu Morimoto.—
Susan B. Barnes,
Travel + Leisure,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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This demographic is intelligent, tech-savvy and often more financially empowered than younger consumers.—
Lara Devgan,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Maresca would be sensible to look at the way Brighton utilise their wingers with intelligent out-to-in runs from the touchline, exploiting spaces in behind when the likes of Joao Pedro pull opposition defensive lines out of shape.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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With wit and cunning, the protagonists navigate the ever-present systems of oppression that encircle them and their relationships.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 June 2025
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President Trump does not exhibit Bismarck’s cunning, inscrutability, or proclivity for complicated diplomacy.—
Charles C. W. Cooke,
National Review,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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No, really — with her sharp and witty books like this one and The Partly-Cloudy Patriot, Vowell does for history what Neil deGrasse Tyson does for science.—
Brian Boone,
Vulture,
18 June 2025
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He should also be credited for having the wittiest one-liner of the night.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
11 June 2025
Adjective
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Midtown newcomers Majka and Kin Thai were added to the guide earlier this spring for their inventive menus and strong community roots.—
Keyla Vasconcellos,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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The film is a marvel, with a cornucopia of inventive gags and a story that captures the heartbreak and hilarity of growing up.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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Meanwhile, Florida’s response to homelessness this year has been imaginative.—
Eric Gray,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 June 2025
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The Spa There is no spa at The Six Bells Country Inn. Family-friendly Offerings The Six Bells is very family friendly, especially for toddlers or young children, simply as a result of its imaginative design.—
Jess Feldman,
Travel + Leisure,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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The lead character is the prince, who doesn’t want to be on the throne and is not really that smart.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
1 July 2025
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One of the challenges comes from a fundamental problem in how smart city initiatives are executing the ever-changing digital movement.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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In her recent appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers on Tuesday, June 24, the actress shared a humorous story about her children's reaction to her mullet haircut for the film.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
28 June 2025
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This independent pilot offers a humorous yet heartfelt look at modern Black adulthood.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clever.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clever. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
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