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 Stringent advertising regulations and the intricacies of e-commerce — especially in industries such as cannabis and alternative beverages — require brands to be more ingenious and resilient than ever. Joshua Adragna, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2025 The result is a heady rush, propulsive, gleefully ingenious, and lush even in its relative spareness. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2025 On the original, Braxton (on flute), the trumpeter Kenny Wheeler and the bassist Dave Holland align on an ingenious cyclical theme, tacking on one new phrase with each run-through, while the drummer Jerome Cooper adds fluttering texture. Hank Shteamer, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025 Ritu Raman et al / MIT View 2 Images Engineers at MIT have devised an ingenious new way to produce artificial muscles for soft robots that can flex in more than one direction, similar to the complex muscles in the human body. New Atlas, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ingenious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingenious
Adjective
  • Over the course of his three decade-spanning career from the 1950s through 1980s, Krause has designed sets for over 180 productions, earning acclaim for his inventive and elegant visual style.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Loewe may be entering a new chapter, but the house’s commitment to supporting the work of the world’s most accomplished and inventive craftspeople isn’t showing any signs of wavering.
    Liam Hess, Vogue, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The lingo, the faces, the concerns – all seemed, if not entirely authentic, then at least clever enough to create some backstage buzz.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Just make sure your clever solution doesn’t create additional fire hazards i.e. don’t hide cords under a rug.
    Maddie Topliff, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Conservation groups say the spill catalyzed innovative restoration work across the Gulf Coast, but are alarmed at the recent halt of a flagship land-creation project in Louisiana.
    Jack Brook, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Serving on the Ralph Lowe Energy Institute board has reinforced my dedication to resource management and exploring innovative and sustainable solutions.
    Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • His novel Blindsight is a remarkably imaginative and thoughtful book, if also utterly terrifying.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • For a wildly imaginative world-building project, the film is mostly ghastly to look at, all flat green-screen and blocky sets for the cast to scramble upon.
    Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Then there was the more recent event when McMahon shockingly returned to WWE after retiring, which seemed to have an effect on Triple H's creative plans, and Stephanie McMahon soon left the board.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Without pedigree or privilege, Taylor forged his own leadership style—one that blends creative vision, market instinct, and a deep understanding of culture.
    Ali Jackson-Jolley, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ingenious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ingenious. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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