1
as in ability
mental skill or quickness
it takes real cleverness to find a way around the rules
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleverness
Noun
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Out-toeing doesn't usually affect your ability to walk, run, or move and causes no pain or discomfort.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
5 Apr. 2025 -
Everyone earning equal pay without the ability to negotiate salaries sounds like a real gift to the studios and a raw deal for actors in the long run.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Tuesday’s sneak peek, of course, also displayed Pitt’s driving skills.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2025
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The Path Forward Bridging the manufacturing skills gap requires more than traditional training methods.—
Jerry Dolinsky,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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There’s an undeniable surge of creativity and innovation in next-generation media outlets that are squarely targeting Black audiences.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2025
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The show, which has popped up around Chicago and Evanston regularly since August, offers a safe space for performers and a reminder to audiences of the power of creativity.—
Jennifer Day,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
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With the aggression and height of Wendie Renard on the backline and the goal-scoring prowess of Kadidiatou Diani up front, can the French combine their talents and shoot for more this time around?—
Julia Ranney,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
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This investment in financial technology and digital prowess was a common theme among the 385 financial institutions that made this year’s list of the World’s Best Banks.—
Haniya Rae,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Jennie is the latest talent from the K-pop outfit to manage a special feat on the American rankings this week.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
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Royals starter Kris Bubic continues to marvel at his teammate’s elite talent on the field.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Joey Merlo’s cunning, captivating On Set With Theda Bara first lit its murky lights at the Brick a year ago — and now, in a heartening example of institutional collaboration, the Transport Group and the Lucille Lortel Theatre have pitched in as presenters to bring it back for an encore performance.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
14 Feb. 2024
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For Mirren, the cunning and cruelty of Whitfield is a timely example of power corrupting absolutely.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Listen to this article Starting a new theater company during this perilous time for arts funding takes guts, imagination and talent.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
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Thanks to the creativity and collaboration of teams across WB Pictures and the entire company, our film about the power of imagination and building something bigger than ourselves sparked incredible reactions from audiences everywhere.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Was there one technical thing about the process that required an even higher level of choreography and finesse in the fourth episode?—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
22 Mar. 2025
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The drink list leans heavily into rum and Latin spirits, delivering cocktails that hold their own against the fire and finesse of the kitchen.—
Keyla Vasconcellos,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Cleverness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleverness. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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