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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleverness
Noun
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However, human ability to connect, imagine, and navigate ambiguity remains irreplaceable.—
Arafat Kabir,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025 -
Spending time in our country’s national parks offers a powerful reminder of nature’s ability to uplift and inspire.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
4 June 2025
Noun
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Eight of Pentacles: This is a month to hone your skills and refine your craft, as Mercury’s journey through Aquarius should sharpen your focus until the 14th.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 June 2025
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Critical leadership skills can be learned through the creative and joyful act of reading children’s books.—
Esther K. Choy,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
Noun
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At The Horse Shoe Farm, an 85-acre boutique resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Turchin family has created a unique enclave of creativity, serenity, and natural beauty.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
8 June 2025
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In those eight years, the whirlwind of creativity was prodigious, and Basquiat is now established as one of the world’s most valuable artists.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
7 June 2025
Noun
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In addition to her prowess at finding the net in soccer, Nelson is adept at hitting balls over the net as a tennis player.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
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Last year – and despite their prowess – these golfers still averaged a score of 75.25 per round.—
Scott Kramer,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
Noun
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There was a concern Forest would have to cash in on either Morgan Gibbs-White or Murillo — the Brazilian who retains the unusual talent, for a defender, of being truly exciting to watch — to keep themselves out of PSR trouble.—
Paul Taylor,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
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Related Stories Las Vegas Studio Proposal Backed by Sony and Warner Bros. Dies in Nevada Legislature Coppola’s presence at the festival reflects the involvement of Chanel, a partner of the festival whose mantra is to shine a spotlight on young talent in front and behind the camera.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
5 June 2025
Noun
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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
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But Waltz also advocated for further diplomatically isolating President Vladimir Putin — a position that was out of step with Trump, who has viewed the Russian leader, at moments, with admiration for his cunning in dealings with Trump’s predecessors.—
Matthew Lee,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2025
Noun
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Environment builders go beyond the production of discreet, individual objects–like paintings or sculptures–to create entire worlds of imagination taking over their surroundings.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
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Tha Carter revealed a new artist—one who could make hits and compete lyrically with not just his labelmates, but hip-hop’s elite, like his idol Jay-Z. C1 has been largely eclipsed in the public imagination by its Carter successors, but remains the most upbeat and bouncy of the series.—
Pitchfork,
Pitchfork,
6 June 2025
Noun
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My company relies on advanced CRM systems to navigate these relationships with finesse.—
Adam Povlitz,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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Most impressive of all is the way Rodriguez-Elliott conducts her large ensemble through rapid scene changes with gliding finesse.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
21 May 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Cleverness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleverness. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
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