Synonyms of ingenious

ingenious

adjective

in-ˈjēn-yəs 

1

as in inventive

having the skill and imagination to create new things

an ingenious but rather eccentric inventor

Synonyms & Similar Words

• inventive
• innovative
• creative
• imaginative
• innovational
• talented
• clever
• original
• gifted
• prolific
• originative
• innovatory
• inspired
• resourceful
• Promethean
• generative
• fertile
• fruitful
• productive
• germinal
• fecund

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unimaginative
• unoriginal
• uncreative
• imitative
• uninspired
• unproductive
• uninventive
• infertile
• talentless

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• clever
• innovative
• inventive
• imaginative
• creative
• artful
• useful
• practical
• sophisticated
• convenient
• original
• adventurous
• intelligent
• handy
• neat
• novel
• complex
• visionary
• fresh
• smart
• expert
• nifty
• groundbreaking
• gimmicky
• adroit
• deft
• dexterous
• tricky
• cleverish
• handsome
• gadgety
• brainy
• sharp

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unimaginative
• uncreative
• dull
• stodgy
• derivative
• pedantic
• pedestrian
• useless
• impractical
• hackneyed
• unoriginal
• canned
• assembly-line
• cookie-cutter

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

Recent Examples of ingenious

Passengers can stretch out and use the seat’s ingenious recline function, which has hard-shell backing and offers a cradling motion that slides the seat forward and up for eight inches of recline without disturbing the flier behind. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026

Oysters are incredible, ingenious—the ultimate water filtration system! — Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 30 July 2026

But his boss, Russell Coutts, the founder and CEO of SailGP, had an ingenious solution. — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 25 July 2026

The ingenious Professor Farnsworth invents a machine that can swap the minds of two people. — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 21 July 2026