Thesaurus

clever

Q: How does the adjective 'clever' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of clever are adroit , cunning , and ingenious . While all these words mean "having or showing practical wit or skill in contriving," clever stresses physical or mental quickness, deftness, or great aptitude. // a person clever with horses

Q: When might 'adroit' be a better fit than 'clever'?

The words adroit and clever can be used in similar contexts, but adroit often implies a skillful use of expedients to achieve one's purpose in spite of difficulties. // an adroit negotiator

Q: Where would 'cunning' be a reasonable alternative to 'clever'?

The meanings of cunning and clever largely overlap; however, cunning implies great skill in constructing or creating. // a filmmaker cunning in his use of special effects

Q: When is it sensible to use 'ingenious' instead of 'clever'?

While the synonyms ingenious and clever are close in meaning, ingenious suggests the power of inventing or discovering a new way of accomplishing something. // an ingenious software engineer

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Synonyms & Antonyms of clever

1 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 for clever

2 having or showing quickness of mind

a clever student figured out a trick to do the assignment faster

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3 skillful with the hands

the Shakers were clever artisans who created many ingenious and highly useful devices

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coordinated

Near Antonyms for clever

uncoordinated

Antonyms for clever

4 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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whimsical

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5 having the skill and imagination to create new things

I wonder what clever person thought of the digital camera

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resourceful

Near Antonyms for clever

talentless

Antonyms for clever

Frequently Asked Questions About clever

How does the adjective clever differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of clever are adroit, cunning, and ingenious. While all these words mean "having or showing practical wit or skill in contriving," clever stresses physical or mental quickness, deftness, or great aptitude.

a person clever with horses

When might adroit be a better fit than clever?

The words adroit and clever can be used in similar contexts, but adroit often implies a skillful use of expedients to achieve one's purpose in spite of difficulties.

an adroit negotiator

Where would cunning be a reasonable alternative to clever?

The meanings of cunning and clever largely overlap; however, cunning implies great skill in constructing or creating.

a filmmaker cunning in his use of special effects

When is it sensible to use ingenious instead of clever?

While the synonyms ingenious and clever are close in meaning, ingenious suggests the power of inventing or discovering a new way of accomplishing something.

an ingenious software engineer