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’s a reason this pint-sized Pokémon has been the face of the world’s biggest media franchise for decades, and his memorable appearances in Horizons serve as a reminder of his ingenious design. Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025 But there was also lots of ingenious layering that would be more easily incorporated into the everyday wardrobe. Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025 For millennia, qanats—ingenious underground aqueducts—balanced survival with scarcity across the central plateau of Iran. Nik Kowsar, Time, 2 Oct. 2025 Streamline your cooking with this simple yet ingenious strainer. Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ingenious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingenious
Adjective
  • Keeping their romance hidden from her parents at first also led to some inventive moments.
    Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
  • But beyond these quintessential Mexican comforts sits the inventive, nuanced fare from La Dama, a party-with-polish treasure inspired by chef-owner Emmanuel Corona's upbringing in the country’s southern and central regions.
    Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As in years past, there was plenty of heated debate, some clever campaigning on social media, a last-minute push for votes from A-list significant others and a few races that were neck-and-neck right up until the last ballot was cast.
    Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • From clever packing solutions and cozy in-flight accessories, to tiny upgrades that make a huge difference midair, all of these travel hacks are pilot-approved for keeping your journey calm, clean, and surprisingly comfortable from takeoff to touchdown.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • He is considered to be an original disruptor in the wine world thanks to his passion for creating innovative wines that sometimes seem counterintuitive to the older traditions held by many French winemakers.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2025
  • For aggrieved wives of cheating husbands, a rising new professional service in China offers an innovative solution.
    Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Some geomyths, recounted orally over generations, are based on eyewitness experiences, while other accounts are grounded in a keen awareness of local terrains, plus rational and imaginative ideas about the powerful forces of nature.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
  • That distaste for nonfiction is in line with his portfolio of imaginative stories.
    Lex Goldstein, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Chelsea have been at their creative best in the second half of matches, creating 15 big chances (second-best behind Palace’s 17) and scoring eight (best).
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Ackermann was named creative director of Tom Ford Fashion in September last year, succeeding Peter Hawkings.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Like many talented young golfers, Phillips can’t help but think of possibly reaching the PGA Tour someday.
    Alex Valdes, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Tjhe party was directed by a witchy master of the craft who led a talented band but didn’t play an instrument herself all night.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ingenious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ingenious. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

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