1
as in ability
mental skill or quickness
it takes real cleverness to find a way around the rules
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in skill
subtle or imaginative ability in inventing, devising, or executing something
the undeniable cleverness of the negotiator, who managed to get each side to believe that they had won
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in creativity
the skill and imagination to create new things
Cole Porter's overall cleverness with words, including his effortless ability to rhyme and pun
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleverness
Noun
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What are the potential implications of the conviction for his ability to return to the United States?—
Juan Carlos Chavez,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 June 2025 -
Historians say white lawmakers in the post-war South sought to enshrine their ability to keep Black men from voting by barring federal forces from bolstering the local militias that protected them.—
Sonja Sharp,
Los Angeles Times,
28 June 2025
Noun
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The local event is part of a yearly nationwide ham radio open house, during which more than 40,000 amateur radio clubs throughout North America set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate its science, skill, and service to communities and the nation.—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 June 2025
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Field researchers thrive on a specific set of skills and attributes: resilience, self-reliance, creative problem-solving, and the ability to focus on the moment to decide what needs to be done.—
Sarah Boon
June 25,
Literary Hub,
25 June 2025
Noun
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One key element of its data-first approach is its Trends Observatory, which analyzes global trends to help the design decision-making process and to align creativity with market gaps to create a strong and relevant product.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
20 June 2025
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Now, as the artists and galleries who helped turn Wynwood into Miami’s hippest urban district all but disappear under a tsunami of redevelopment, the Bakehouse Art Complex remains a funky, thriving oasis of creativity.—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
20 June 2025
Noun
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Shampoo’s grease-tackling prowess isn’t limited to kitchen grease stains.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
23 June 2025
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For his two-sport prowess, Stearns is the Orange County boys athlete of the year for the 2024-25 high school sports year.—
Steve Fryer,
Oc Register,
19 June 2025
Noun
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For Boston, its outfield is loaded with talent, too, which makes Duran quite expendable.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 June 2025
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Three-quarters of managers engaged in talent hoarding — discouraging top performers from pursuing internal opportunities to protect their own team’s performance.—
Nirit Cohen,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
Noun
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The chief specimen here (played by MMA fighter Chi Lewis-Parry) is a massive beast whose brute strength is matched by his cunning.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
18 June 2025
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On the other end of the spectrum was the more docile Kelly who often felt conflicted when her morals clashed with the cunning needed to succeed in the game.—
Nick Caruso,
TVLine,
27 May 2025
Noun
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By doing it for them, AI robs children of the joy and the work of their imagination.—
Lindsey Witmer Collins,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
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An unusual mix of speculative sci-fi imagination and intimate family sentiment, the film is vying for top honors in the Shanghai International Film Festival‘s main competition this week.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
19 June 2025
Noun
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Tom Coll of Les Desserts at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab (Dubai, United Arab Emirates) creates haute pâtisserie with French finesse at one of the world’s most iconic hotels.—
Joanne Shurvell,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
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South Beach Seafood Festival – October 22-25, 2025 The OG of ocean-to-table experiences, the South Beach Seafood Festival is where culinary finesse meets beachside vibes.—
Rafael Peña,
Miami Herald,
14 May 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Cleverness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleverness. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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