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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleverness
Noun
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That can make a difference in Idaho’s ability to secure those resources, as well as the prices contractors charge the state for firefighting services and equipment, Little said.—
Sarah Cutler
June 28,
Idaho Statesman,
28 June 2025 -
The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
28 June 2025
Noun
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The manufacturing industry faces specific challenges with approximately 3.8 million new workers needed between 2024 and 2033, with half of these positions remaining unfilled due to skills gaps.—
Tom Strohl,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
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His skill/skating combination is clearly NHL quality.—
Corey Pronman,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
Noun
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This is a time for emotional growth, creativity, and self-care to ensue.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
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It was meant to encourage community and creativity, letting users showcase interesting prompts and responses.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
Noun
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And the company behind the bet was Google, which had acquired legacy phone maker Motorola Mobility and was leveraging its modern tech prowess and vast resources to make the Moto X smartphone a success.—
Verne Kopytoff,
Fortune,
5 July 2025
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Mexico enters the semifinal after a 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia, breaking a 166-minute goal drought and reasserting their attacking prowess.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 July 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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Yes, focus still matters—but not at the expense of imagination.—
Brent Gleeson,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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What If Neanderthals Lived with Humans? Unlike humans, who are experts in optimization and always looking for ways to further perfect our efficiency, Neanderthals weren’t capable of the same imagination.—
Sara Novak,
Discover Magazine,
28 June 2025
Noun
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Pinot Grigio from Northeastern Italy is defined by cool-climate freshness, clean orchard fruit, and the region’s diverse mineral soils, which add subtle finesse.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
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Kaysen’s arrival signals a polished-yet-approachable style to a menu of seasonal Gulf Coast–inspired dishes with French finesse, served indoors and al fresco with front-row views of the water.—
Cameron Sperance,
Travel + Leisure,
20 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Cleverness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleverness. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
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