Definition of clevernext
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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

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Synonym Chooser

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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of clever This bench is all about the thoughtful details—even the wooden legs are carved into clever geometric shapes. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Jan. 2026 In Aquarius, Mercury is intellectually stimulating, like partaking in clever banter and cerebral conversations that quench your curiosity. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026 These clever lap dogs love quality time with their humans and need regular grooming to keep their wavy coats healthy. Monica Garske, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026 White, however, dodges, aiming toward clever. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clever
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clever
Adjective
  • Sulwhasoo model using gentle cleansing foam It’s further reinforced by decades of investment in advanced formulation science and manufacturing in Korea and Japan, resulting in products that are both innovative and reliable.
    Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Through this company, Aprile has developed an innovative platform that offers agents 100% commissions, top-tier training, and the independence of true entrepreneurship, while maintaining a strong sense of community and support.
    Nick Franck, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Its intelligent navigation helps ensure effective coverage, while the real-time self-cleaning system helps maintain a cleaner roller with each pass.
    William Jones, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
  • According to Charles Darwin, survival belongs not to the strongest species, nor the most intelligent, but the one most adaptable to change.
    Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • His initial rise to fame came from playing cunning and ruthless centuries-old vampire Eric Northman on True Blood.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Jan. 2026
  • They’re built up to be these impossibly deadly and evil and cunning foes, and then our much less impressive heroes manage to take them down through grit and determination or just dumb luck.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Blind Summit is a famously witty British theater company, led for more than 25 years by artistic director Mark Down, a famed and much-loved teacher of his craft as well as a performer who becomes at one with his tools, so to speak.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The film, with Jones’ witty script and Aramayo’s standout performance, is an unmissable delight.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Southern California is an ecologically diverse agricultural wonderland which yields a style of progressive cuisine that’s equal parts radical simplicity and playfully inventive, rooted in what are arguably the best farmers markets in the country.
    Emily Wilson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Sant’ Angelo, an avant garde designer, was best known for his bohemian styles and inventive knitwear.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Considered one of the most imaginative and creative playcallers in NFL history, Andy Reid will retain that role for the 2026 season.
    Jeff Fedotin, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Perfect for builders ages 6 and up, this battle pack provides hours of imaginative play and makes an excellent addition to your existing Clone Wars collection.
    Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The cottages have a mid-century feel and each have indoor and outdoor fireplaces and a smart nouveau-southwest look.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Jan. 2026
  • While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The skilled direction of performance from the cast.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026
  • In the rest of the territory, companies or nations attempting to mine would have to build their own energy grid and transport networks, given the interior’s lack of either, as well as import an entire skilled labor force.
    Tristan Bove, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Clever.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clever. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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