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 There are positive aspects to them still — the impact of Antoine Semenyo (up to seven goals in 12 appearances since signing from Bournemouth in January) might make the winter window fashionable again — and they were done over by an ingenious finish from Morgan Gibbs-White, above. Phil Hay, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026 Yet despite that apparent simplification, the trenches themselves were in line with Lee’s exuberantly experimental creative urges; playful, ingenious, complex, and witty. Luke Leitch, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2026 Yet no amount of ingenious camerawork and breakneck pacing can obscure a simplistic core. Eric Kohn, IndieWire, 25 Feb. 2026 Arduous, ingenious Kuba textile process Creating the textiles is a community effort. Virginia Brown, Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ingenious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingenious
Adjective
  • The basics are done well here too, with an excellent 24-hour coffee shop and patisserie off the lobby, a little café by the pool mixing inventive smoothies every morning, and an elevated snack bar at the heart of the resort, serving fresh, fluffy tacos.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • This will include everything from simply great hours of stand-up to inventive or wildly ambitious offerings that are big swings but may or may not completely hit the mark.
    Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • More than this, or in spite of this, Tim was clever and silly.
    Cassandra Neyenesch, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice is bursting with ideas that feel like clever marginalia on an otherwise familiar setup.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s a fierce competition in the Italian capital to see who can open the most beautiful, most original, most innovative, and most locally authentic hotel.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Their broader vision has been to create something that feels more intentional than a traditional brokerage model, pairing local expertise with innovative strategy while keeping client interests at the center of the process.
    Connie Etemadi, AZCentral.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Outschool focuses on students ages 3-18 and encourages imaginative classes rather than strict curricula.
    Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Robert is a creative and imaginative boy with a bright personality and a big heart.
    MARE Staff, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Campspot highlighted the ranch’s creative accommodations and its many one-of-a-kind outdoor experiences including its ranch wagon accommodations, horse feeding and pet friendly cabins.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 26 Mar. 2026
  • There is no doubt that new generations of creative individuals are already emerging—ready to carry that tradition forward.
    Norman Foster, Artforum, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Albin referenced opposing teams being heavier and more talented in the trenches a season ago, so adding the 6-foot-5, 315-pound tackle, among other new additions, was a top priority.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The manual skills with which the products are applied, for example, were fine-tuned by Madame Allouche herself, a very talented osteopath.
    Valentina Bottoni, Vanity Fair, 30 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ingenious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ingenious. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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