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 This ingenious gardening gadget saves time, regulates watering, and waters consistently, streamlining the chore if not eliminating it completely. Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 27 May 2026 Arsenal opted for Noni Madueke to supplement Saka on the right wing, and structured an ingenious deal for Hincapie that enabled them to defer payment until this coming summer. James McNicholas, New York Times, 19 May 2026 And on the team was one scientist who created an ingenious computer simulation — using 1960s-era computers. Laura Isensee, Scientific American, 18 May 2026 The humidity was calibrated at 25 to 35 percent, and an ingenious leak detector and platinum wire sensor were designed to measure humidity and temperature levels. Literary Hub, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ingenious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingenious
Adjective
  • Yes, the shampoo brand, which makes for one of the most inventive uses of product placement in a movie ever.
    Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 8 June 2026
  • Kids will get the messages that Plensa espouses as quickly as adults, but this work is an easy, comprehensible introduction to how artists work, using surprising materials in inventive ways to make viewers consider the world differently.
    Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • The sale features impressive savings on patio furniture, area rugs, Adirondack chairs, and clever storage solutions that make handling household clutter easy.
    Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
  • June 2026 As Motto by Hilton’s second property in Mexico, Motto by Hilton Guadalajara Centro Historico will bring the brand’s clever, connected offerings to Guadalajara’s historic district.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • James Blood Ulmer, the innovative guitarist who fused avant-garde jazz with funk and the blues, died on June 3, according to a statement his family published via DownBeat.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2026
  • Korean cushions are known for their innovative skin care-meets-makeup formulas.
    Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • For their imaginative daring, co-directors Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch were justly honored as were costume designer Qween Jean and choreographers Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons, among the production’s notable awards.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
  • Ivory tower universities like to reward faculty for their imaginative proposals, not for sticking to what the law allows.
    Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • He’s known for his ability for creative playmaking and his willingness to slip into any role when the situation calls for it.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 June 2026
  • Your innovative streak loves fresh starts, and simple domestic wins can spark bigger solutions elsewhere without forcing anything, as calm space makes creative thinking easier.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Edward Bluemel is an extremely talented performer and will make a great addition to the long line of actors that have played this celebrated character, aided and abetted by Benji Walters’ thoughtful scripts.
    Ellise Shafer, Variety, 8 June 2026
  • Barnett put on a show in the playoff loss to Oregon, throwing for 273 yards, rushing for 45 yards and accounting for three touchdowns against the Ducks’ talented defense.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ingenious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ingenious. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

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