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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in cunning
skillful with the hands
the Shakers were clever artisans who created many ingenious and highly useful devices
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in inventive
having the skill and imagination to create new things
I wonder what clever person thought of the digital camera
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in ability
mental skill or quickness
it takes real cleverness to find a way around the rules
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of clever
Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 25 July 2025
The clever bit is that neither truck nor trailer requires modification to accept the dolly, which connects to a truck’s standard fifth-wheel hitch but supplies a smart kingpin.
—Ian Baker
july 22, New Atlas, 22 July 2025
The bar is a buzzy and boozy affair from 5 to 6 p.m. daily, where guests and locals gather in a ritualistic ceremony to visit and try some of the clever cocktails (like the Tropical Storm and Drunken Pimento) for which Ooshan has become known.
—Paula Conway, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Olympia’s ex-husband, Julian (Jason Ritter), the son of the firm’s head (Beau Bridges), is intrigued by Matty and her clever skills.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for clever
Adjective
Osbourne’s resurgent recent work like 2020’s Ordinary Man was making clever and even affecting use of an intergenerational cast of characters that included Post Malone and Elton John.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 25 July 2025
The clever bit is that neither truck nor trailer requires modification to accept the dolly, which connects to a truck’s standard fifth-wheel hitch but supplies a smart kingpin.
—Ian Baker
july 22, New Atlas, 22 July 2025
The bar is a buzzy and boozy affair from 5 to 6 p.m. daily, where guests and locals gather in a ritualistic ceremony to visit and try some of the clever cocktails (like the Tropical Storm and Drunken Pimento) for which Ooshan has become known.
—Paula Conway, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Olympia’s ex-husband, Julian (Jason Ritter), the son of the firm’s head (Beau Bridges), is intrigued by Matty and her clever skills.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for clever
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clever
Adjective
-
Wayne Metro is helping a handful of residents, mostly in Wayne County, book their first trips, said Megan Wilk, Wayne Metro's director of innovative programs.—
Christina Hall,
Freep.com,
26 July 2025
-
WorkLife With Adam Grant Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, delves into workplaces that have incorporated innovative strategies to make every day more productive and actually fun.—
Toni Fitzgerald,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
Adjective
-
Operation Bounce House follows Oliver Lewis, a colonist on the planet New Sonora, who leads a simple life on his family ranch, playing with his band and tending to his family's selection of intelligent agriculture bots.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
14 July 2025
-
Some incredibly intelligent breeds, such as Border collies, German shepherds and poodles, are known for regularly hitting 1,000-word milestones.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
O’ahu, Maui, Kaua’i and the big island of Hawai’i were all joined by water but divided by greedy men, cunning chiefs and a cycle of endless combat.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Slated for release on July 17, 2026, The Odyssey is an adaptation of the epic poem from Homer, which tells the story of Odysseus, King of Ithaca, and his perilous journey home after the Trojan War, exploring themes of heroism, loyalty, cunning, and the struggle against divine will.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
This breezy placement thrives on intellectual stimulation, witty banter and an array of options.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
23 July 2025
-
Wee-hours talk shows have for decades operated on the premise that the hosts served as gentle entertainers who could help audiences go off to sleep after some light banter, witty conversation and a few celebrity encounters.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
Just don’t forget to grab a drink at Bar Bota, where inventive cocktails bear names like Tomato & Cheese, Hinoki & Shiitake, and Sakura & Calamansi.—
Christina Liao,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
-
Rango is a chameleon that stumbled into a town called Dirt, in an inventive riff on the western genre that plays equally to children and adults.—
Brian Tallerico,
Vulture,
28 July 2025
Noun
-
Maryland’s competitiveness hinges on our region’s ability to drive inclusive growth, attract investment and rise to meet the challenges of the next generation.—
Mark Anthony Thomas,
Baltimore Sun,
3 Aug. 2025
-
Meanwhile Kal-El, an alien from the planet Krypton who embraces a new identity on Earth as Superman, comes well-equipped with superhuman abilities.—
Devan Coggan,
EW.com,
3 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Project Runway might've returned with a new roster of designers flexing their fashion skills on the main stage, but one contestant's emotions unspooled in front of the judges when he was placed in the bottom.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Sports captivates communities because achievement in sports—especially team sports—requires more than just talent, effort and skill.—
George Atallah,
Sportico.com,
31 July 2025
Noun
-
His life reflects a deep and continuous pursuit of learning, creativity, and balance.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
-
But Astronomer unexpectedly chose a different path that included irony, creativity, and self-aware transparency.—
Julian Hayes II,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clever.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clever. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share