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
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2
as in intelligent
having or showing quickness of mind
a clever student figured out a trick to do the assignment faster
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3
as in cunning
skillful with the hands
the Shakers were clever artisans who created many ingenious and highly useful devices
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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
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clever
The real-time nature of the show is a clever way to dig into the inner lives of these characters, but this premise also presents a unique set of logistical challenges.
—
Max Gao, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
Candy wrappers, for instance, serve as clever substitutes for silver leaf and conventional metalwork, while broken eggshells—carefully applied using tweezers—mimic refined Art Deco finishes.
—Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 22 Jan. 2025
So, when the planet's insides are on the outside, spectroscopy offers a clever way to see within terrestrial worlds.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 17 Jan. 2025
Soderbergh—doing his own cinematography, as often, under the pseudonym Peter Andrews—crafts a clever style to develop the identification of the camera’s gaze with that of the haunting spirit.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for clever 
Max Gao, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
Candy wrappers, for instance, serve as clever substitutes for silver leaf and conventional metalwork, while broken eggshells—carefully applied using tweezers—mimic refined Art Deco finishes.
—Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 22 Jan. 2025
So, when the planet's insides are on the outside, spectroscopy offers a clever way to see within terrestrial worlds.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 17 Jan. 2025
Soderbergh—doing his own cinematography, as often, under the pseudonym Peter Andrews—crafts a clever style to develop the identification of the camera’s gaze with that of the haunting spirit.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for clever
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clever
Adjective
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Think of this as the perfect time to start a productivity tool or track your goals in a fun, innovative way.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
27 Jan. 2025
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Baltimore’s crisis demands urgent action and a willingness to explore innovative approaches.—
Pradeep Thomas,
Baltimore Sun,
26 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The thing about Nickel Boys is its a film that is more intelligent than its maker.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
23 Jan. 2025
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The group argued that the elephants in the Colorado case, which were born in the wild in Africa, have displayed signs of brain damage because the zoo is essentially a prison for the intelligent and social animals that roam for miles a day in the wild.—
Landon Mion,
Fox News,
22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The episode also introduced Andy Garcia as Galino, a powerful and cunning cartel boss.—
Greg Braxton,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Jan. 2025
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Black Friday had become a competitive event requiring planning and cunning to get the good deals first.—
Mary Meehan,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Sweeney’s cast — there are excellent turns from Aisling Franciosi (The Nightingale, Speak No Evil) and Abbott Elementary’s Chris Perfetti — deploy their witty retorts, bleak sentiments and existential worries at a bracing and confident clip.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Jan. 2025
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His posts often include witty comments on current events, playful interactions with his followers, and humorous takes on his own experiences.—
Eric Fuller,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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This stylish kitchen and bar also offers inventive takes on classic cocktails and a diverse selection of draft beers, many from Virginia breweries.—
Erin Gifford,
Southern Living,
18 Jan. 2025
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Still, the Silo is an inventive, absorbing setting, rendered in a retro-futurist mid-century style that compensates for the bleakness.—
Daniel A. Gross,
The New Yorker,
17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The animation, too, is consistently delightful, densely crammed with visual gags and imaginative flourishes, like a gang of marauding buildings, that well merit the film being seen on the big screen.—
Frank Scheck,
The Hollywood Reporter,
29 Jan. 2025
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Through a sample of the collective’s poetry, the spotlight is on its lyrical nature, which blends the musical elements of a chorus with the imaginative creativity of wordplay.—
David Silverberg,
JSTOR Daily,
29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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But a good coach, a lot of good ideas, smart, good leadership.—
Charlotte Carroll,
The Athletic,
29 Jan. 2025
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To try to repeal the law to reintroduce wolves into Colorado is not a smart option.—
TJ Hutchinson,
The Denver Post,
28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The film takes viewers through her journey, filled with humorous and heartfelt moments, from open mic nights at comedy clubs to glamorous charity events, all set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City.—
Veronica Villafañe,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
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The Acid Comedy of Thomas Schütte: In a MoMA retrospective filled with humorous angst, the German sculptor offers a prime 2025 resolution: Don’t run from failure.—
Laurel Graeber,
New York Times,
22 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near clever
Cite this Entry
“Clever.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clever. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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