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 But this is a performance; the stars above an ingenious projection. Martin Bush, Space.com, 5 July 2025 Then as now, rapturous coverage spoke of visionary donors, ingenious architects, and a museum finally ready to give non-Western artistry its due. Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 30 June 2025 Alcatraz, the real one in California, was defeated by two ingenious inmates with sharp spoons. Pat Beall, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025 Hackers are, by their very nature, ingenious and inventive. Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ingenious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingenious
Adjective
  • Just don’t forget to grab a drink at Bar Bota, where inventive cocktails bear names like Tomato & Cheese, Hinoki & Shiitake, and Sakura & Calamansi.
    Christina Liao, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • Rango is a chameleon that stumbled into a town called Dirt, in an inventive riff on the western genre that plays equally to children and adults.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • That includes clever storage and organizers, which are currently up to 70 percent off this month.
    Rylee Johnston, People.com, 27 July 2025
  • In a clever stroke, Chauhan made the vindaloo with ground lamb, rather than the usual hunks, to nod to the more traditional chili topping.
    Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • Wayne Metro is helping a handful of residents, mostly in Wayne County, book their first trips, said Megan Wilk, Wayne Metro's director of innovative programs.
    Christina Hall, Freep.com, 26 July 2025
  • WorkLife With Adam Grant Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, delves into workplaces that have incorporated innovative strategies to make every day more productive and actually fun.
    Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • From the indoor batting cages, outdoor bullpen and insane setup, this truly goes down as one of the most imaginative events in recent event history.
    Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2025
  • Disney’s theme parks are designed by its Imagineers who are named after their imaginative use of engineering.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Our dining and nightlife correspondent Ana Gutierrez rounded up the creative tequila and mezcal cocktails Austin bars have on tap to mark the occasion.
    Deborah Sengupta Stith, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • Honey Gochujang Corn Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches were created by crew members at a store in Houston, Texas, and this surprising and creative dessert took first place in the national contest.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ingenious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ingenious. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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