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 Scientists have found a new way to cheat the system – which is both ingenious and disturbing. Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025 If someone discovers an ingenious algorithm for rapidly solving the hardest NP problems, the bedrock will crumble, and the whole tower will collapse. Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 25 July 2025 An ingenious gang of master jewel thieves from Italy, known as ‘The School of Turin’, were eventually revealed to be behind the audacious heist. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 16 July 2025 The Latimer House is the place where captured high-ranking German officers unwittingly gave up their secrets like those pertaining to Hitler’s V-1 and 2-2 rockets to ingenious British and American operatives near the end of the Second World War. Margo T. Oge, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for ingenious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingenious
Adjective
  • Entrées are just as innovative and might swing from lamb belly to halibut with sausage made of Royal Red shrimp, and inventive desserts like movie-popcorn-butter ice cream.
    Mike Jordan, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Numan’s career was a tumultuous one, defined in turns by inventive highs and long periods outside of the public eye.
    Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Later, of course, movies based on the series starring Tom Cruise became blockbusters, but were never as clever as the original television series, relying more on outlandish stunts and special effects.
    Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • These clever yet bizarre gadgets are both fun and oddly useful.
    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, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The program will also promote STEM-medicine integration, cost-effective education, and innovative academic partnerships.
    Christina Shaw, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Mostly known for innovative rock n' roll, now called classic rock, the time period also broke ground in the areas of pop culture, dress, movies and literature.
    Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Impeccable service in an imaginative, detailed dining room, elevates it above the area's white-tablecloth restaurants.
    Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Osmo offers many different games that come in puzzle form, as well as games that encourage drawing and foster imaginative play.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This hip and colorful art cafe is a great spot to grab lunch and get creative.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2025
  • For celebrity images, the guidelines showed creative workarounds that missed the point entirely.
    Douglas B. Laney, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ingenious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ingenious. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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