Definition of ingeniousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ingenious differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of ingenious are adroit, clever, and cunning. While all these words mean "having or showing practical wit or skill in contriving," ingenious suggests the power of inventing or discovering a new way of accomplishing something.

an ingenious software engineer

In what contexts can adroit take the place of ingenious?

The meanings of adroit and ingenious largely overlap; however, adroit often implies a skillful use of expedients to achieve one's purpose in spite of difficulties.

an adroit negotiator

When is it sensible to use clever instead of ingenious?

The words clever and ingenious can be used in similar contexts, but clever stresses physical or mental quickness, deftness, or great aptitude.

a person clever with horses

When might cunning be a better fit than ingenious?

Although the words cunning and ingenious have much in common, cunning implies great skill in constructing or creating.

a filmmaker cunning in his use of special effects

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 ingenious When living in a small home or apartment, every inch of space is precious, which is why this ingenious kitchen island is a must-have. Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 26 Apr. 2026 What follows is a wild ride through an ingenious and audacious bid for the World Cup, set against a high-energy backdrop of Mexico in the 1980s. Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2026 According to the authors, there are only two other cases in the scientific literature that are comparable to Bruce’s ingenious adaptation. ArsTechnica, 20 Apr. 2026 The workings of the flagellar motor are ingenious indeed. Quanta Magazine, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ingenious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingenious
Adjective
  • The Rosemary Rose, a rooftop lounge inspired by the French Riviera, draws a lively mix of locals and hotel guests with inventive cocktails, Mediterranean-leaning small plates, and sweeping city views.
    Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2026
  • Expanding beyond a single point of view, the film explores memory, time, and perspective through a formally inventive approach that blends fiction and documentary elements.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • Its hero is Miss Maple, certainly the cleverest sheep in the flock, probably the cleverest sheep in the village of Glennkill, and maybe the cleverest sheep in the world.
    Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
  • But this is a clever essay about making sense of the ambiguous advice that people love to dispense, from someone who is willing to explain which ones actually proved helpful to his own film journey.
    Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • In 2019, the Gucci and Saint Laurent owner launched the Kering Generation Award to scout innovative talent worldwide—an initiative that has since expanded to include a dedicated jewelry edition.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 12 May 2026
  • Democrats in Congress have questioned the legality of some of those efforts, including a program that offers drugmakers expedited reviews for innovative medicines.
    Matthew Perrone, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • There’s an imaginative kids club created in partnership with the French fashion brand Tartine et Chocolat and its Edmond Le Mouton (Edmond the sheep) character.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026
  • Tim Darcy has always been the man of a thousand voices — a wildly imaginative singer playing different roles, capturing the disintegration of the self from different angles.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • Leah became chief creative officer of the niche fragrance line Skylar and was on Forbes’s 2026 30 Under 30 list for her social media reach.
    Anna Peele, Vanity Fair, 14 May 2026
  • The creative team is not so much interested in nostalgia but feels there is a timely urgency behind revisiting the model’s life.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Though the shoot was short and the heat was hot, Gray says being surrounded by talented, dedicated actors made the rest of it pretty easy.
    Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 11 May 2026
  • Now, as Ella Fellas know, the talented singer has elite skills on social media.
    David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ingenious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ingenious. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

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