1
as in innovative
showing a noteworthy use of the imagination and creativity especially in inventing
an inventor who was constantly coming up with clever devices for doing everyday chores
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind
a clever student figured out a trick to do the assignment faster
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in cunning
skillful with the hands
the Shakers were clever artisans who created many ingenious and highly useful devices
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in witty
given to or marked by mature intelligent humor
a clever joke that requires a little bit of thought on the part of the listener
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in inventive
having the skill and imagination to create new things
I wonder what clever person thought of the digital camera
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clever
The Hanging Snack System Your Pantry Needs Here’s where this hack goes from clever to genuinely brilliant for families.
—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026
The food is forward-looking and clever, threading global influences and bright flavors with impressive dexterity.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
These tools are best used by professionals in the service of their profession, not as a clever end run around it, and certainly not as a path to eventually replacing it.
—ArsTechnica, 22 Apr. 2026
That's where this attack gets clever.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clever
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026
The food is forward-looking and clever, threading global influences and bright flavors with impressive dexterity.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
These tools are best used by professionals in the service of their profession, not as a clever end run around it, and certainly not as a path to eventually replacing it.
—ArsTechnica, 22 Apr. 2026
That's where this attack gets clever.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clever
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clever
Adjective
-
Expecting the largest gathering of Guild and Television Academy voters outside Los Angeles and New York, the event offers a unique platform for innovative storytelling, cementing Newport Beach as a hub for creative excellence in the evolving landscape of television.—
William Earl,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2026
-
But because the field has long existed slightly under the radar, many artists have been free to develop innovative approaches—such as fabric manipulation or, in my case, fabric assemblage.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The son of four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, he is viewed as a physical and intelligent defender.—
The Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Our interface makes intelligent use of swipes and gestures rather than tapping or dialing.—
David Szondy
April 25,
New Atlas,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
As Michael moves into solo stardom and makes cunning business moves, the film captures how his seemingly naive idealism was also a form of ambition.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Past friends and former associates described him to me as an exceptionally cunning con man, a consummate charmer, and a womanizer.—
Nate Freeman,
Vanity Fair,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Aline Brosh McKenna’s script is sharp and witty.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The starry voice cast delivers on all fronts, especially with lines provided by Mazin’s witty and wise script.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Sides, all inventive, include elote or cilantro rice along with the typical coleslaw, potato salad and beans.—
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Yiaga’s degustation menu is distinctly Australian—meaning, inventive and collaborative.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Innovative, imaginative solutions that meet growth in population, business and agricultural needs.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Expect the anti-capitalist vibes to be as loud and imaginative as Riley’s previous work.—
Mark Meszoros,
Twin Cities,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
August 23 – September 22 A smart adjustment today creates more momentum than effort.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
-
This white chocolate bar is creamy and ultra-sweet, and the great minds at TJ’s were smart to distract from the one-note flavor with crunchy little cookie crumbles.—
Alex Beggs,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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And their second-best defender, Jaden McDaniels, is skilled at calling the Nuggets’ names.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
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While one research study found REIT investments were associated with higher spending on nursing wages, another concluded that after being bought by REITs, nursing homes frequently replaced registered nurses with less skilled nurses and aides.—
Jordan Rau,
Miami Herald,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clever.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clever. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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