Definition of ingeniousnext

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 Nguyen is a connoisseur of games, and his musings about them are ingenious and entertaining. Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026 So our ingenious answer is to make Idaho the only state with firing squad as its preferred execution method? Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026 Their work was defined by stressfully cascading plots, breathless energy and ingenious street-level filmmaking, both in the casting (led by Safdie’s longtime colleague Jennifer Venditti) and actual shooting locations. David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 5 Jan. 2026 And one new ingenious piece of outdoor kit shows where all that fire-side thinking can lead you. Simon Heptinstall december 31, New Atlas, 31 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ingenious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingenious
Adjective
  • Southern California is an ecologically diverse agricultural wonderland which yields a style of progressive cuisine that’s equal parts radical simplicity and playfully inventive, rooted in what are arguably the best farmers markets in the country.
    Emily Wilson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Sant’ Angelo, an avant garde designer, was best known for his bohemian styles and inventive knitwear.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • On the upside, brilliant solutions or clever ideas might suddenly occur to you.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 31 Jan. 2026
  • NearTap is another clever feature that lets the user adjust the volume level using simple taps of the finger in front of the ear.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Sulwhasoo model using gentle cleansing foam It’s further reinforced by decades of investment in advanced formulation science and manufacturing in Korea and Japan, resulting in products that are both innovative and reliable.
    Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Through this company, Aprile has developed an innovative platform that offers agents 100% commissions, top-tier training, and the independence of true entrepreneurship, while maintaining a strong sense of community and support.
    Nick Franck, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Considered one of the most imaginative and creative playcallers in NFL history, Andy Reid will retain that role for the 2026 season.
    Jeff Fedotin, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Perfect for builders ages 6 and up, this battle pack provides hours of imaginative play and makes an excellent addition to your existing Clone Wars collection.
    Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The brand works closely with French Peruvian creative studio Maison Anaychay, which connects designers with local artisans in Peru.
    Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2026
  • On Rough and Rowdy Ways, Dylan also reemerges as a restless, sometimes cordial, often corrosive analyst, agreeing at last to engage—if not fully to explain—the whats, hows, and, possibly whys of his creative life.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Like many talented young athletes, Willis grew up playing several sports.
    Clark Fahrenthold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Graham Green, Kelsey Asbille, Gil Birmingham and many other talented actors fill out the cast.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ingenious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ingenious. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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