1
as in ability
mental skill or quickness
it takes real cleverness to find a way around the rules
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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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They were questioned about the running back’s blocking ability.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
11 May 2025 -
Many Democrats at the time had privately expressed concerns with his ability to lead the panel, given his cancer diagnosis announced two days after winning reelection in 2024.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
11 May 2025
Noun
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While many professionals focus on avoiding stress altogether, developing effective stress management skills provides a more realistic and beneficial approach.—
Kara Dennison,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
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The purpose of higher education should be for students to continue to develop critical thinking skills, to grow, to question, to learn, to mature, and to hopefully develop knowledge that will serve those students in a vocation.—
Rep. Steve Weir,
Hartford Courant,
20 May 2025
Noun
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Moderated by filmmaker, writer and producer Margaret Zhang, the discussion will explore the creative journey through exclusive clips shown from the series, which offer a look into the nature of female creativity and the artistic process.—
Kirsten Chuba,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2025
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In attempt to draw up intrigue for the upcoming season, teams flex their creativity in order to have the most memorable moment.—
C. Isaiah Smalls II,
Miami Herald,
15 May 2025
Noun
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Listen to this article While Universal is known for crafting compelling movies that transport people to faraway worlds, the company has also developed its prowess in making those come to life through its captivating theme parks.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 May 2025
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The company leaned into its background and prowess as a tech company.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2025
Noun
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The popular convention skipped a 2024 gathering — needing the network’s talent roster to refresh — and opted to announce the 2025 dates in April 2024.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
12 May 2025
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The literary character and his team combine their talents to investigate the root causes of patients' dilemmas, with each episode mixing medical and mystery.—
Christopher Rudolph,
People.com,
12 May 2025
Noun
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Neither his fearsome resolve nor his supreme cunning—which had enabled him to vanquish his rivals and spiritually crush his inner circle—was in evidence in 1941.—
Stephen Kotkin,
Foreign Affairs,
19 Sep. 2017
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Despite being outnumbered 50-to-1 by the Five Families of the Italian mafia, the Westies’ legendary brutality and cunning have given them the leverage necessary to share the spoils through a fragile détente.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Think about what your family values about toys — their ability to teach and to ignite your kids’ imaginations while keeping them occupied for long stretches of time — and then commit to only bringing home toys that fit that criteria.—
Stephanie Ganz,
Parents,
16 May 2025
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Directed by Irene Iborra, the stop-motion film – the first-ever stop-motion feature produced in Catalonia – portrays a young girl coping with family homelessness through imagination and resilience.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
15 May 2025
Noun
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The events are transformative experiences rooted in heritage, elevated by the finesse of fine dining, and powered by the diverse communities that make Florida a true flavor capital.—
Rafael Peña,
Miami Herald,
14 May 2025
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There was no finesse or flair, and Coventry, who finished the regular season with a wet sail while the team above them floundered, were only too willing to take the game to Sunderland.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
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 23 May. 2025.
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