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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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
This clever little gadget cuts watermelon into cubes — straight from the rind — just by a little push and swipe.
—
Jeaneen Russell, People.com, 29 June 2025
Set in rural Ireland, Shanley’s clever yarn focuses on the unlikely romance between Anthony and Rosemary, longtime neighbors who explore the fine line between love and hate.
—Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025
The clever indoor-outdoor design of Le Paradis means that there are places to relax both inside and out.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 25 June 2025
Even the cleverest plans leave room for a little improvisation.
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for clever
Jeaneen Russell, People.com, 29 June 2025
Set in rural Ireland, Shanley’s clever yarn focuses on the unlikely romance between Anthony and Rosemary, longtime neighbors who explore the fine line between love and hate.
—Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025
The clever indoor-outdoor design of Le Paradis means that there are places to relax both inside and out.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 25 June 2025
Even the cleverest plans leave room for a little improvisation.
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for clever
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clever
Adjective
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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
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So have innovative documentaries like Peter Jackson’s Get Back and Ron Howard’s Eight Days a Week: The Touring Years.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
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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The intelligent noblewoman, played by Michelle Dockery, appears to have everything under control in the new trailer for the third and final Downton Abbey film.—
Emlyn Travis Published,
EW.com,
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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The marketing folks may be pushing it as the first real rom-com in years, but Song wisely and adeptly sidesteps all the tropes of the typical rom-com to deliver a smart, witty film about finding dates and mates in 21st century America.—
Scott Phillips,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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An imaginative builder can put the stones together in all sorts of combinations.—
Jennie Rothenberg Gritz,
Smithsonian Magazine,
1 July 2025
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Verne’s imaginative fiction has inspired more and less faithful screen adaptations since the days of silent movies.—
Robert Lloyd,
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2025
Adjective
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She’s got that great State Farm commercial where everything’s better from the logo – terrific ad, very smart.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
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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
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 8 Jul. 2025.
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