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
• dextrous
• 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

As the Great Depression began, Hay’s salt-of-the-earth approach charmed the audience, while WSM made several ingenious business decisions that shaped popular music forever. —Lindsay Kusiak, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 May 2025

In recent years, Jaeger-LeCoultre has explored the possibilities of the dual-sided timepiece, incorporating ingenious complications on the reverse surface. —New York Times, 17 May 2025

Research on customers’ aspirations reveals their affinity for innovative organizations--the clear and present evidence a company is serving the marketplace in boldly ingenious ways. —Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

Mukherjee’s gripping descriptions of ingenious cancer research stand out today, as the Trump administration makes cuts at the National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute. —The Atlantic, 15 May 2025