1
as in inventive
having the skill and imagination to create new things
an ingenious but rather eccentric inventor
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in clever
showing a noteworthy use of the imagination and creativity especially in inventing
a chair that can't tip over is quite ingenious
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Recent Examples of ingenious
But Heyerdahl had further theories about where these ingenious Americans had come from originally.
—
Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
From product development and manufacturing to training, operations and support, the company integrates and offers ingenious and advanced solutions to support defense, aerospace, and other customer missions.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 19 Jan. 2026
In 2024, a team of researchers used an ingenious new heap design to transform a classic shortest-paths algorithm into one that is theoretically optimal for any network layout.
—Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 16 Jan. 2026
Kids Songs for Bathtime Toddlers and preschool age kids are sticky messes who sometimes find ingenious ways of getting dirty, which means that skipping bathtime is a big no-no.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ingenious
Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
From product development and manufacturing to training, operations and support, the company integrates and offers ingenious and advanced solutions to support defense, aerospace, and other customer missions.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 19 Jan. 2026
In 2024, a team of researchers used an ingenious new heap design to transform a classic shortest-paths algorithm into one that is theoretically optimal for any network layout.
—Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 16 Jan. 2026
Kids Songs for Bathtime Toddlers and preschool age kids are sticky messes who sometimes find ingenious ways of getting dirty, which means that skipping bathtime is a big no-no.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ingenious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingenious
Adjective
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On Main Street, Majestic Repertory Theatre offers a distinctly different experience, combining a professional theater presence with bold, high-energy plays, musicals, and original works known for inventive set design, immersive elements, and a playful, sometimes provocative, approach.—
Mackenzie Jervis,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Feb. 2026
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This sleek, inventive shoulder bag is well under $100 but looks way pricier.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Russia has been overtly aggressive while China is more clever and subtle, using tactics such as intellectual property theft and economic penetration of less developed countries.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
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From storage helpers to laundry and cleaning aids, try one of these clever uses for old pillowcases.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Both brands have deep heritage and craftsmanship behind them, but are equally forward-looking and innovative.—
Tianwei Zhang,
Footwear News,
17 Feb. 2026
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At this exclusive, high-energy event, the world’s most innovative leaders will convene to explore how AI, humanity, and strategy converge to redefine, again, the future of work.—
Ioannis Ioannou,
Fortune,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The fragrance has more tangible notes, too — ambrette, oud and cypriol among them — but mounting interest in fantasy-note fragrances at large indicates that the scent’s more imaginative componentry has likely been the bigger driver of its success.—
Noor Lobad,
Footwear News,
16 Feb. 2026
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The show has a Theater for Young Audiences sensibility in many ways, which is hardly surprising since it was based on the imaginative work of one so young.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Simpson’s creative approach is shown throughout the property, from the stunning stonework to the modern, clean lines.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
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David was previously vice president, content creative, television, for the studio.—
Arushi Jacob,
Variety,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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One of those picks the Cowboys acquired was used to get Quinnen Williams, another talented defensive tackle, in a trade with the Jets.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
16 Feb. 2026
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That lineup might be the most talented in USC history.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ingenious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ingenious. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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