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 Arsenal opted for Noni Madueke to supplement Saka on the right wing, and structured an ingenious deal for Hincapie that enabled them to defer payment until this coming summer. James McNicholas, New York Times, 19 May 2026 And on the team was one scientist who created an ingenious computer simulation — using 1960s-era computers. Laura Isensee, Scientific American, 18 May 2026 The humidity was calibrated at 25 to 35 percent, and an ingenious leak detector and platinum wire sensor were designed to measure humidity and temperature levels. Literary Hub, 13 May 2026 That was such an incredible, ingenious move. Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ingenious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingenious
Adjective
  • Once upon a time, Iran had a tech scene as vibrant as any in the world—one full of inventive young people, visionary entrepreneurs, expatriated mentors, and investors who spanned continents.
    Bozorgmehr Sharafedin, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026
  • Rest competes with duties as the moody Moon moves through your 12th House of Solitude, opposite inventive Uranus in your 6th House of Work and Well-being.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • There’s a fine blue line between stupid and clever.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
  • Auoon Clip-On Pot Strainer This clever clip-on pot strainer takes up less space in the cabinet and the dishwasher, and makes quick work of straining pasta water, washing fruit and vegetables, and more.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • In 1898, Swiss hotelier César Ritz partnered with French chef Auguste Escoffier to open what soon became known as one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, thanks to such then-innovative touches as private bathrooms, telephones, and electricity in each room.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Designed for fans and collectors, this innovative accessory folds completely flat to display a character-specific Bounty Hunter ID.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Watermelon Pool was first published in Korea in 2015, and this new English translation brings its wonderfully surreal story and artwork to a new audience of imaginative young fans.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
  • Super Cars Are Now An Immersive Experience Unlike Mattel’s die cast cars lines, which represent both production and super cars as well as imaginative modifications and are intended for light play and display, Brick Shop is designed to allow the average car fan to become a builder and designer.
    Scotty Reiss, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • Marcus Ingvartsen has become one of the league’s most efficient finishers, Anders Dreyer remains the club’s creative pulse and Mikey Varas’ team still plays with the possession-heavy ambition that caught everyone by surprise in its inaugural season.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
  • After a few words of introduction, Alexis started asking Graciela and me questions about our creative processes, about the importance of surprises in art, about the relationship between photographs and stories, about memory and mourning and pain.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • It has been acquired and reimagined by the same, talented owners, the De Santis family—Como hoteliers to end all Como hoteliers.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Senegal Senegal’s film is culturally rich and cinematic in quality, evoking the pride of a nation selecting its most talented men to send into the fray overseas.
    Don Riddell, CNN Money, 1 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ingenious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ingenious. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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