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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That translates to seeking inspiration and motivation from artistic heritage through innovative methods.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
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Today, Valencia’s rich ceramic heritage is being reinvented by innovative artisans such as Ana Illueca and Raquel Vidal and Pedro Paz of Canoa Lab, whose work is available to view and purchase through studio visits.—
Elizabeth Bennett,
Vogue,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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Lucy’s colleagues refer to men like him—tall, handsome, in finance, intelligent, urbane—as unicorns.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
21 June 2025
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Celebrate intelligent risk-taking, not just polished outcomes.—
Bill Fischer,
Forbes.com,
21 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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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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He’s evaluated everything from TVs and soundbars to smart gadgets and wearables, ...—
Parker Hall,
Wired News,
21 June 2025
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Right now, Meta pretty much owns the smart glasses space and these specs could help cement that leadership.—
David Phelan,
Forbes.com,
21 June 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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There were humorous suggestions to get round the problem, such as clitch, but none caught on.—
David Crystal
June 27,
Literary Hub,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clever.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clever. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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