1
as in ability
mental skill or quickness
it takes real cleverness to find a way around the rules
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2
as in skill
subtle or imaginative ability in inventing, devising, or executing something
the undeniable cleverness of the negotiator, who managed to get each side to believe that they had won
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in creativity
the skill and imagination to create new things
Cole Porter's overall cleverness with words, including his effortless ability to rhyme and pun
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Recent Examples of cleverness
If there’s cleverness to the way Lindsay-Abaire keeps passing the buck of hypocrisy between the members of the neighborhood association, there’s also a pervading sense of decorum that limits how far the satire can go.
—
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026
The finding speaks to the cleverness of Kea (Nestor notabilis), mountain-dwelling parrots with a reputation for impish intelligence.
—Elizabeth Anne Brown, Scientific American, 20 Apr. 2026
Even so, a little magic has crept into the proceedings, with some brands concealing their cleverness in plain sight and others putting more of the horological art on display.
—Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026
And his creativity and cleverness flashed on some really slick, eyes-in-the-back-of-his-head sequences.
—Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
The humor spawned by Emma’s confession will strike some as deeply unfunny, while others might uncomfortably chuckle at its cleverness.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
Another owner proudly mentioned her Corgi, known for its cleverness and ability to find its way home.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 23 Mar. 2026
But this is where MadEvolve really shines with its cleverness.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 22 Mar. 2026
Such is the cleverness of the writing.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2026
The finding speaks to the cleverness of Kea (Nestor notabilis), mountain-dwelling parrots with a reputation for impish intelligence.
—Elizabeth Anne Brown, Scientific American, 20 Apr. 2026
Even so, a little magic has crept into the proceedings, with some brands concealing their cleverness in plain sight and others putting more of the horological art on display.
—Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026
And his creativity and cleverness flashed on some really slick, eyes-in-the-back-of-his-head sequences.
—Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
The humor spawned by Emma’s confession will strike some as deeply unfunny, while others might uncomfortably chuckle at its cleverness.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
Another owner proudly mentioned her Corgi, known for its cleverness and ability to find its way home.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 23 Mar. 2026
But this is where MadEvolve really shines with its cleverness.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 22 Mar. 2026
Such is the cleverness of the writing.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleverness
Noun
-
Is there a better gift to future generations than the ability to see the universe, dream and be inspired again?—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Maxey and George have had to carry almost all of Philadelphia’s offensive responsibility, and the 76ers desperately need Embiid’s ability to create offense and gravity in half-court situations.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Children ages 4-13 can hone their lightsaber skills and sip on non-alcoholic teal lemonade.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2026
-
These include performance overheads for complex tasks or workloads that need to be completed with low latency, as well as filling in skills gaps for software developers who have no FHE knowledge or experience.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Be honest about what’s workable, and let creativity thrive within boundaries.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
-
These details feel distinctly human, inviting curiosity, creativity, and connection.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
For King Charles, the trip will be a test of his diplomatic prowess.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
There were no lies told about this team’s postseason prowess.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But without freedom, Berdyaev writes, creativeness is impossible.—
Andrew McDiarmid,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Many of DeCosta’s peers revere his talent-evaluation skills, roster-building approach and intensity.—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Hamilton, who graduated in 2001 and played 10 years in the NHL with Chicago, Toronto and Carolina, has been developing amateur talent as co-owner of the Connecticut Junior Rangers.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Maybe the mere fact of having been born illustrious, with no apparent faults, with nothing to prove or to be ashamed of, had liberated John from the resentments the rest of us feel, and from the cunning and ambition such resentments fuel.—
Jeffrey Eugenides,
New Yorker,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The Brazil international combines technical craft with a decisive cunning.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Romantic Venus sextiles dreamy Neptune, softening conversations and opening space for empathy, imagination, and meaningful exchange.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Ko’s conception of the wuxia genre centers on imagination as a martial force.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cleverness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleverness. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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