1
as in inventive
having the skill and imagination to create new things
an ingenious but rather eccentric inventor
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of ingenious
Some are borderline ingenious, while others seem more like marketing gimmicks.
—
New Atlas, 30 Oct. 2025
Over the years, this inexpensive waffle maker has won over a string of staff members with its ingenious design and ability to make superbly crisp and fluffy waffles.
—Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025
Thankfully, one ingenious backpacker designed this key to aid in the process.
—Zoe Gates, Outside, 28 Oct. 2025
The deluxe cabins are slightly smaller, but ingenious, with sofabeds and stools that pull double duty as couches and coffee tables.
—Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ingenious
New Atlas, 30 Oct. 2025
Over the years, this inexpensive waffle maker has won over a string of staff members with its ingenious design and ability to make superbly crisp and fluffy waffles.
—Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025
Thankfully, one ingenious backpacker designed this key to aid in the process.
—Zoe Gates, Outside, 28 Oct. 2025
The deluxe cabins are slightly smaller, but ingenious, with sofabeds and stools that pull double duty as couches and coffee tables.
—Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ingenious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingenious
Adjective
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The modern diner offers inventive takes on everything from frittatas to Reubens to Waldorf salads.—
Keith Pandolfi,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
4 Nov. 2025
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Salt & Char is a steakhouse with a farm-to-table ethos that showcases the best of Upstate New York’s produce, while Morrissey’s Lounge & Bistro serves up decadent and inventive American fare with an exciting cocktail program and an impressive wine list.—
Cat Sposato,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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A lot of clever stuff goes into this.—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
7 Nov. 2025
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This clever coffee table’s top lifts smoothly and locks into place to create a dining area or workspace.—
Shea Simmons,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Brazil is set to introduce an ambitious and innovative new system for financing forest protection (more on that below) and Lula comes into COP30 with an impressive record of successful forest protection.—
Jeff Young,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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The night celebrated innovative global environmental solutions.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Soccer Sidekicks’ Spot the Ball stands out for its imaginative approach to instruction.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
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His imaginative storytelling techniques, well known to readers of his previous books Will in the World and The Swerve, often threaten to push him into the realm of historical fiction.—
Isaac Butler,
The Atlantic,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Rich Little Brokegirls founder Kimberly Bizu sat down with creator and corporate strategist Jodie Taylor, discussing what women of color navigating corporate spaces and creative careers need to know.—
Essence,
Essence,
7 Nov. 2025
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Anyone vaguely near the aesthetic gets christened it by fans, including Bassvictim, who were always funnier and more creative than the other modern electroclash revivalists.—
Kieran Press-Reynolds,
Pitchfork,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Penn State saw numerous talented players walk through its doors with Franklin at the helm, with many of them going on to excel in the NFL.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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Most recently, the Eagles were able to part ways Tuesday with a 2026 third-rounder to acquire Dolphins edge Jaelan Phillips — a talented but injured pass rusher coming off back-to-back season-ending injuries (Achilles and ACL).—
Colton Pouncy,
New York Times,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ingenious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ingenious. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.
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