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 Both ingenious and efficient, Williams is keeping his teeth straight in style. Ruth Etiesit Samuel, Essence, 6 May 2025 Darkly, once a game-making empire renowned for its ingenious and utterly terrifying toys and games, now lies dormant after Veda’s mysterious death. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025 The foundation is named for its ingenious couturier-founder, a gentleman whose love for fashion history inspired him to collect the historic and modern work of the masters of haute couture. Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025 Layering materials is one of those ingenious privacy fence ideas that often gets overlooked. Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ingenious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingenious
Adjective
  • But then her documentary, Lee Soo Man, The King of K-Pop is not just about the inventive pop music that quickly gained a worldwide following.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • The drink list includes inventive cocktails, wines, local beers and some fun zero-proof options like the Vida Verdita, a blend of jalapeño, mint, pineapple, cilantro and bubbly water.
    Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • For apartment dwellers and people who prefer not to dangle midair, this clever contraption looks like a window-cleaning game changer.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2025
  • The story centers on 16-year-old Haymitch (Joseph Zada), a clever and resourceful boy from District 12, who’s unexpectedly chosen for this edition of the games, which will feature a deadly twist: twice the number of tributes, with 48 children sent into the arena to battle for their lives.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • For entrepreneurial parents and innovative educators, this may be a frontier worth exploring.
    Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Nearly every dish at Uma Roma, an innovative new restaurant, is dedicated to a single ingredient.
    Seth Sherwood, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • This imaginative backstory, brought to life with the help of the French film studio Gaumont, adds a magical dimension that makes Mirokaï feel more like a companion than a machine.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2025
  • Another highlight of the restaurant is its imaginative cocktail menu, featuring signature sips like the Electric Sly, Red Line Remedy and a zesty lemon and golden spritz infused with tej honey wine.
    Taryn White, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • While Hayek now has her pick of designer pieces to wear on the red carpet, her creative combination for Cannes remains timeless.
    Rosa Rahimi, CNN Money, 13 May 2025
  • Wang’s mother began to get creative, substituting American items to whip up the modernized Chinese cuisine that Wang and his sister, Lulu, ate through their childhood: dishes like a kind of beef Bourguignon with Sichuan peppercorn and star anise.
    Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ingenious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ingenious. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ingenious

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!