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 Imagination was key to the films that Hess made after Napoleon Dynamite: the soulful Nacho Libre, in which Jack Black as a novice monk and Lucha Libre fan gave a fully rounded characterization, and the ingenious fantasy-fiction parody Gentlemen Broncos. Armond White, National Review, 16 Apr. 2025 What’s so ingenious, surprising, and effective about The Pitt is that there is almost no music on the show. Jeremy D. Larson, Pitchfork, 11 Apr. 2025 The dumb gags in Caveman are nearly as ingenious as the invention of fire: Atouk and Lar figure out the secret to walking upright by cracking each other’s backs—who knew? Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 19 Mar. 2025 Those canals, together with the ingenious system of chinampas, or floating plots of farming land, are located southeast of Mexico City, and serve as the legacy of a pre-Hispanic agriculture. Gwendolina Duval, Vogue, 22 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
  • In addition to being bigger than Tesla, BYD is arguably more inventive, with vehicles that can slide sideways into parking spots and float during emergencies, and chargers that can replenish up to 250 miles of range in a mere five minutes—several times faster than Tesla superchargers.
    L. RAFAEL REIF, Foreign Affairs, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • Instant Spa Shower Gift Box: $55 Turn mom’s shower into a spa-like experience with this clever gift set from UncommonGood.
    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, 3 May 2025
  • This is an alternative look at the final four weeks of the league campaign, searching for storylines and narratives that could impact betting markets and provide opportunities for clever wagers.
    Sam Tighe, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • Its innovative dial was made to flip over so the metal back case would face the sun while on the wrist during a match, so the dial wouldn’t get damaged.
    Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 3 May 2025
  • For the Formula 1 fan, WWD picked a quartet of watches that are likely to get the heart racing thanks to innovative materials, high-flying complications and feats of engineering.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Hollywood Climate Summit The Hollywood Climate Summit celebrates its fifth anniversary by helping the entertainment industry tackle climate issues through imaginative teamwork.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 5 May 2025
  • Few could produce an environment that layers raw materials in a way that feels not only imaginative, but intentional.
    Brett Braley, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 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
  • Likewise, under subsequent creative directors Karl Lagerfeld and Virginie Viard, Chanel has fostered a talent pool that feeds into its image department — something that Matthieu Blazy, who took over as artistic director of fashion activities on April 1, is expected to continue.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ingenious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ingenious. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

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