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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clever
Clarissa Wei, AFAR Media, 13 May 2025
There was the feisty feline who began ringing one home owner's doorbell well after 9 P.M. Then there was the clever cat who came up with a unique way of being let back inside using their owner's security camera.
—Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
The Yamazaki Home line at Wayfair has so many clever organization pieces.
—Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 12 May 2025
Instant Spa Shower Gift Box: $55 Turn mom’s shower into a spa-like experience with this clever gift set from UncommonGood.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for clever
Adjective
There are no toppings, no ripples, no clever shards—just scoops, served plain.
—Clarissa Wei, AFAR Media, 13 May 2025
There was the feisty feline who began ringing one home owner's doorbell well after 9 P.M. Then there was the clever cat who came up with a unique way of being let back inside using their owner's security camera.
—Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
The Yamazaki Home line at Wayfair has so many clever organization pieces.
—Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 12 May 2025
Instant Spa Shower Gift Box: $55 Turn mom’s shower into a spa-like experience with this clever gift set from UncommonGood.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for clever
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clever
Adjective
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Achieve flawless curls or a pin-straight blowout with the innovative tool.—
Náosha Gregg,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
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Mat Franco – Season 9 Mat Franco made history by becoming the first magician to win the competition, thrilling audiences with his innovative sleight-of-hand tricks and engaging storytelling.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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This type of intelligent power management would mark a departure from Apple's existing Low Power Mode, which applies system-wide restrictions.—
Tahar Rajab,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
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These intelligent adaptations help homeowners effectively reduce their monthly energy expenses.—
Jon Stojan,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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McLaren’s Piastri began in pole position and initially held off Verstappen before the Dutchman displayed all the brilliance, cunning and bravery that has propelled him to four world championships, holding off the brakes as long as possible and sliding around the outside on the first turn.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
18 May 2025
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Unfortunately, Porsha isn’t cunning enough for this to work.—
Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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This time around, Lilo and Nani’s Ohana is expanded to her witty and wise neighbor Tūtū (Amy Hill), an original character, and Nani’s easygoing crush David (Kaipo Dudoit), who is retconned here as Tūtū’s grandson.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
23 May 2025
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The film’s participants are witty, cracking jokes about on-set mics and one another.—
Alissa Wilkinson,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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Brazilian footwear brand Melissa and Parisian label Maldito are dipping their toes into the western footwear category with a new collaboration offering an inventive take on the cowboy boot.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
20 May 2025
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By day, guests can visit for its inventive afternoon tea.—
Angelina Villa-Clarke,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Noun
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Mel Musto—Bloomberg/Getty Images The consequences of removing international students at Harvard could have long-term consequences on the U.S.’ ability to attract foreign talent—not only in higher education, but also in shaping its word-class research.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
23 May 2025
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Compared to the Ratio Six, the Eight Series 2 offers the same 40-ounce batch size but some new programming and new technology—including the ability to optimize its brewing program for small batches of 20 ounces or less.—
Matthew Korfhage,
Wired News,
23 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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In his absence, the first-place Cubs have consistently found different ways to win games and reshape their pitching staff, demonstrating resilience and creativity.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
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Unlike technical skills that may become obsolete with technological advancements, durable skills such as communication, creativity and emotional intelligence remain consistently valuable across industries and roles.—
Heather V. MacArthur,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clever.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clever. Accessed 30 May. 2025.
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