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

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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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of ingenious Give your favorite home cook a break from fragrant garlic fingers with this ingenious gadget from Oxo. —

Carly Monardo, Bon Appétit, 3 Dec. 2024 Buy Now 18 of 29 'James' by Percival Everett This ingenious riff on Huckleberry Finn as told by Jim, follows the enslaved man who rafts with Huck down the Mississippi, from the author behind American Fiction. —

Rachel Flynn, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024 Try These 4 Affordable Ways To Upgrade Your Kitchen By Lydia Patrick Life & Trends Reporter 0 A woman has shared her ingenious solution to making her small kitchen feel significantly bigger—without undertaking any major renovations. —

Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024 Literary Clock This ingenious clock tells the time by displaying quotes from authors of the past six centuries. —

Esther Carlstone, SELF, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ingenious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingenious

Adjective

Parker Finn is making a name for himself as someone who can craft inventive and viscerally frightening set pieces, elevating these films beyond their (admittedly silly) conceits.

Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024
Dishes are seasonal and inventive, with ingredients either straight from their kitchen garden or from other parts of this bountiful state: expect seared tuna from Port Lincoln with chili and mandarin oil, and risotto with asparagus as green as those vineyards.

Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Dec. 2024