1
as in innovative
showing a noteworthy use of the imagination and creativity especially in inventing
an inventor who was constantly coming up with clever devices for doing everyday chores
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2
as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind
a clever student figured out a trick to do the assignment faster
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3
as in cunning
skillful with the hands
the Shakers were clever artisans who created many ingenious and highly useful devices
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4
as in witty
given to or marked by mature intelligent humor
a clever joke that requires a little bit of thought on the part of the listener
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5
as in inventive
having the skill and imagination to create new things
I wonder what clever person thought of the digital camera
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1
as in ability
mental skill or quickness
it takes real cleverness to find a way around the rules
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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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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clever
James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
This clever design was created by none other than Lauren Santo Domingo.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 4 Nov. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for clever
Adjective
The filmmaking team of Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett broke through with the clever and fun horror movie Ready or Not in 2019 and are known for helping revitalize the Scream franchise with a pair of movies in 2022 and 2023.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
This clever design was created by none other than Lauren Santo Domingo.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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
See All Example Sentences for clever
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clever
Adjective
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Brazil is set to introduce an ambitious and innovative new system for financing forest protection (more on that below) and Lula comes into COP30 with an impressive record of successful forest protection.—
Jeff Young,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The night celebrated innovative global environmental solutions.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The aquatic mammals, Hadsel says, are so intelligent and have such strong sensory organs that they can be taught to recover human remains.—
Frederick Dreier,
Outside,
11 Nov. 2025
-
In the summer of '38, only the very intelligent people knew what was coming.—
Liz McNeil,
PEOPLE,
11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Fueled by vengeance and cunning ambition, Ashur rises from betrayal and bloodshed to seize power, gouging out a place for the House of Ashur in a new arena full of violence, desire, and twisted loyalty.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
30 Oct. 2025
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The elaborate scheme, masterminded by members of four Mafia families in collusion with celebrity athletes, ensnared unsuspecting victims, bleeding them of over $7 million through cunning deception, prosecutors said in the indictment.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The explosive trailer showcases the series’ signature elements including witty dialogues, high-octane action, thrilling chases and the blurred lines between Srikant’s personal and professional life.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
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While this gentler effort is unlikely to be similarly impactful, its witty humor and genuine emotionalism recall the best of Pixar, where its director worked as a story artist on such films as Wall-E and Incredibles 2.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The modern diner offers inventive takes on everything from frittatas to Reubens to Waldorf salads.—
Keith Pandolfi,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
4 Nov. 2025
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Salt & Char is a steakhouse with a farm-to-table ethos that showcases the best of Upstate New York’s produce, while Morrissey’s Lounge & Bistro serves up decadent and inventive American fare with an exciting cocktail program and an impressive wine list.—
Cat Sposato,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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His players marveled at this ability to focus.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
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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
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Clever.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clever. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.
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