ingenious

adjective

in-ˈjēn-yəs How to pronounce ingenious (audio)
Definition of ingeniousnext
1
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
2
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 French jewelry maison Boucheron was founded in 1858 and built a legacy of adorning royals, stars and magnates in jewelry that combines precious, rare gems with equally ingenious designs. — Tanya Dukes, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026 Sutskever is portrayed as the idealistic, naive hero — the ingenious mind behind the lab’s entire existence who can’t stomach lying and is reluctant to accumulate any power. — Hayden Field, The Verge, 8 Oct. 2026 Many of the beautiful, sometimes ingenious products and technologies developed with the rise of the modern era gripped the popular imagination and made life easier, healthier and more connected. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 What can’t go unremarked upon, though, is the surpassing wonder of Dennis Gassner and Richard Johnson’s production design, a near-Brechtian marvel of diaphanous screens, rotating parts, and other ingenious devices. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ingenious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ingenious
  1. inventive
  2. clever
  3. innovative
  4. imaginative
  5. creative
  6. talented
Adjective
  • The restaurant is flanked by a bar serving inventive cocktails inspired by the Far Eastern heritage in the use of aromatic herbs.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Cornbread, barbecue chicken, grits and seasonal market vegetables now showcase Brock’s inventive, soulful cooking — and have brought diners back to the restaurant.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of inventive
Adjective
  • The elaborate, experiential drinks are presented on trays or pedestals alongside clever fixings.
    — Jaclyn DeGiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • From time-saving kitchen gadgets and food warmers to festive serving platters, Thanksgiving table decorations and clever ways to store leftovers, there are plenty of products that can help make the holiday feel a little less stressful.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of clever
Adjective
  • During a half-hour speech, von Furstenberg reflected on major career milestones, like her first meeting with Diana Vreeland in 1970 and later being featured on the March 1976 cover of Newsweek in her innovative wrap dress.
    — Ariel Bielsky, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The radio series takes in interviews with academic hormone specialists, including the team at Imperial College in London who are conducting some of the most exciting and innovative research in this area.
    — Gavin Francis, The New York Review of Books, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of innovative
Adjective
  • Below, shop some of the top toys for kids of all ages, including imaginative toys for preschoolers, interactive toys for big kids and toys focused on learning and development for babies and toddlers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Li tells their stories in alternating chapters, loosely grounding her narrative in historical fact and Li’s own expansive imaginative powers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of imaginative
Adjective
  • The factor that seems to unite everyone is a sense of repetition—no matter the style, writers will play the same songs over and over again to reach a kind of creative trance.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Those of us in the creative world have to embrace all the ups and downs, and the rights and the wrongs.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of creative
Adjective
  • Now, the two talented performers are, once again, setting the internet on fire.
    — David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Waterstones had previously churned through young employees, so Daunt set up six major promotion points, with salary increases at each, allowing the most talented booksellers to grow across a full career.
    — Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of talented

Browse Nearby Words

in general
ingenious
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Cite this Entry

“Ingenious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ingenious. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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