1
as in ability
mental skill or quickness
it takes real cleverness to find a way around the rules
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleverness
Noun
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Mel Musto—Bloomberg/Getty Images The consequences of removing international students at Harvard could have long-term consequences on the U.S.’ ability to attract foreign talent—not only in higher education, but also in shaping its word-class research.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
23 May 2025 -
Urban mobility—the ability of people and goods to move around efficiently sits at the center of this challenge.—
Hemanth Volikatla,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
Noun
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Like everyone else watching, Mascherano marveled at Messi’s skill.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
1 June 2025
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Eight of Pentacles: This is a month to hone your skills and refine your craft, as Mercury’s journey through Aquarius should sharpen your focus until the 14th.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 June 2025
Noun
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In his absence, the first-place Cubs have consistently found different ways to win games and reshape their pitching staff, demonstrating resilience and creativity.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
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Unlike technical skills that may become obsolete with technological advancements, durable skills such as communication, creativity and emotional intelligence remain consistently valuable across industries and roles.—
Heather V. MacArthur,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Noun
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She’s been a celebrity go-to for years—lending her undetectable blending, illuminating, and accentuating prowess to the likes of Jennifer Aniston and Cameron Diaz for year; and now, somehow managing to distill her artistry in a line of products that feel expert, yes, but shockingly approachable.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
23 May 2025
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In addition to her prowess at finding the net in soccer, Nelson is adept at hitting balls over the net as a tennis player.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
Noun
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At the Democrat-Gazette, Dustin has cultivated strong connections within the local arts and entertainment community and finds joy in spotlighting the creative talents and inspiring stories of the region.—
Dustin Staggs,
Arkansas Online,
25 May 2025
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If neither of the former are viable, then at the very least jot a note through email or InMail to the hiring manager (i.e., the person to whom the role reports) and/or talent acquisition manager internal to the company.—
Rebecca Fraser-Thill,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Noun
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Neither his fearsome resolve nor his supreme cunning—which had enabled him to vanquish his rivals and spiritually crush his inner circle—was in evidence in 1941.—
Stephen Kotkin,
Foreign Affairs,
19 Sep. 2017
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Despite being outnumbered 50-to-1 by the Five Families of the Italian mafia, the Westies’ legendary brutality and cunning have given them the leverage necessary to share the spoils through a fragile détente.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Theoretical physics has long held a special place in the scientific imagination — not just for its foundational questions, but for its strangeness.—
John Drake,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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Partnering with Hrithik Roshan is a step forward in realizing that vision, crafting a film where intensity meets imagination on a grand scale.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
28 May 2025
Noun
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The 2021 Collage Proprietary Red is a striking study in balance—intensely structured yet polished, with deep concentration and finesse.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
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Yet the rest of the exhibition urges us to question what, exactly, is so fine about fine art, and what can get missed or ignored in the quest for finesse.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Cleverness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleverness. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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