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
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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
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Recent Examples of cleverness
But there’s a cleverness to how AdHoc’s writing team has managed to give the player a sense of control without completely nuking the story.
—
Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2025
Surely, his sexuality played a role in his undeniable cleverness.
—Michael Cuby, Them., 24 Oct. 2025
So the question is whether audiences can find any emotional hook amid all this cleverness.
—Kirk Honeycutt, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2025
That insight — that the key was scale, not cleverness — fundamentally reshaped OpenAI.
—Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025
Why Border Collies Excel This display of canine cleverness comes as no surprise to experts.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
At times, Kavalier is played as a type of Willy Wonka figure, but without any of Wonka’s cleverness.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
What connects them is the cleverness of the writing and the ability of their actors to sell even the silliest of jokes.
—Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2025
Surely, his sexuality played a role in his undeniable cleverness.
—Michael Cuby, Them., 24 Oct. 2025
So the question is whether audiences can find any emotional hook amid all this cleverness.
—Kirk Honeycutt, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2025
That insight — that the key was scale, not cleverness — fundamentally reshaped OpenAI.
—Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025
Why Border Collies Excel This display of canine cleverness comes as no surprise to experts.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
At times, Kavalier is played as a type of Willy Wonka figure, but without any of Wonka’s cleverness.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
What connects them is the cleverness of the writing and the ability of their actors to sell even the silliest of jokes.
—Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleverness
Noun
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His players marveled at this ability to focus.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
-
As both a player and in his post-playing career, Craig has displayed an ability to elevate those around him.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Investopedia defines it as a job done outside the office, typically requiring manual labor or skills in a particular trade.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Activity Table Foster your little one’s motor skills with this activity table that allows babies ages 6 months and up to flip, slide, roll, spin, and press the buttons, wheels, and lights.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Because of the skills that neurodiverse individuals can bring to the workplace — hyperfocus, creativity, empathy and niche expertise, just to name a few — some research suggests that organizations prioritizing inclusivity in this space generate nearly one-fifth higher revenue.—
Rachel Curry,
CNBC,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Recent scientific studies have found that horticultural therapy promotes creativity, self-esteem, social interaction and sensory stimulation.—
The San Diego Union Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Efforts to compete with Amazon during its ascent in the 2010s had department stores playing catchup on supply chain prowess and integrating stores with e-commerce—sometimes to the detriment of in-store experience.—
Phil Wahba,
Fortune,
7 Nov. 2025
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The closing scene of the trailer pokes fun at the Grammy-winning singer's dancing prowess.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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With a new wave of talent, including Santiago Giménez, Edson Álvarez, and César Montes leading the charge, El Tri are blending youthful energy with experienced leadership.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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My father had two superpowers that saved him in the face of all those failures—his talent for telling stories and gardening.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Landing a good apartment in New York City can take some cunning.—
Matthew Sedacca,
Curbed,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Coaching successfully in such conditions requires a mixture of humility and self-confidence, as well as a certain cunning.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
For nearly half a century, the Hollywood Bowl has been the stage where John’s imagination meets the hearts of millions.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Nov. 2025
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My daughter’s imagination inspires me.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Why Babbel Actually Works Researchers at Yale University found that 100% of participants improved their oral proficiency within three months of using Babbel.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
8 Nov. 2025
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Performing Saint-Saëns’ concerto, Kim shows proficiency and poise, with the ability to make her notes angelic.—
Sheila Regan,
Twin Cities,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cleverness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleverness. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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