Synonyms of ingenious

ingenious

adjective

in-ˈjēn-yəs 

1

as in inventive

having the skill and imagination to create new things

an ingenious but rather eccentric inventor

Synonyms & Similar Words

• inventive
• innovative
• creative
• imaginative
• innovational
• talented
• clever
• original
• gifted
• prolific
• originative
• innovatory
• inspired
• resourceful
• Promethean
• generative
• fertile
• fruitful
• productive
• germinal
• fecund

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unimaginative
• unoriginal
• uncreative
• imitative
• uninspired
• unproductive
• uninventive
• infertile
• talentless

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• clever
• innovative
• inventive
• imaginative
• creative
• artful
• useful
• practical
• sophisticated
• convenient
• original
• adventurous
• intelligent
• handy
• neat
• novel
• complex
• visionary
• fresh
• smart
• expert
• nifty
• groundbreaking
• gimmicky
• adroit
• deft
• dexterous
• tricky
• cleverish
• handsome
• gadgety
• brainy
• sharp

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unimaginative
• uncreative
• dull
• stodgy
• derivative
• pedantic
• pedestrian
• useless
• impractical
• hackneyed
• unoriginal
• canned
• assembly-line
• cookie-cutter

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

Recent Examples of ingenious

The device’s ingenious working process was explained in a recent paper in Nature Water. — Simon Heptinstall, New Atlas, 9 July 2026

What began as an ingenious substitute has become one of the city’s signature drinks. — Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2026

The truly remarkable thing about this country is its ingenious ability—through elections, immigration, freedom of speech, and economic mobility—to constantly remake itself. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 3 July 2026

The critics lauded Boyles’ ingenious genre piece — a timely social critique that revived the zombie film — although some found the ending too optimistic. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 24 June 2026