INGENIOUS Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

ingenious

adjective

in-ˈjēn-yəs

Definition of ingenious next

as in inventive

having the skill and imagination to create new things an ingenious but rather eccentric inventor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Each of their films features an ingenious adventure in a wildly different setting, from a chicken farm to the high seas, but the majority of them offer a resounding belief in humanity without shortchanging nuance or complexity. —

Vikram Murthi, Vulture, 3 Jan. 2025 Tied to the No. 16 on his jersey, the ingenious campaign makes a donation to the hospital of $1,600 for every goal Barkov scores, plus $800 for each assist. —

Mark Gauert, Sun Sentinel, 2 Jan. 2025 Amazon shoppers are snapping up this ingenious little frizz-fighting accessory by the truckloads. —

Clint Davis, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2025 Gone are the days when the most famous and prominent companies simply manufactured products and dreamed up ingenious advertising. —

John Werner, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ingenious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingenious

Adjective

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
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