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 But his boss, Russell Coutts, the founder and CEO of SailGP, had an ingenious solution. — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 25 July 2026 The ingenious Professor Farnsworth invents a machine that can swap the minds of two people. — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 21 July 2026 To get around this, as Anne Hathaway so eloquently explains, the IMAX tech geniuses placed mirrors onto the sides of the cameras, so the actors could see each other and maintain a natural acting flow — ingenious stuff. — Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 There is a heaviness and sorrow to that wise, ingenious goddess that obscured the character’s power and playfulness—a choice made by Nolan, no doubt to emphasize his dark themes. — Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 17 July 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
  • All the entries are highly personal, bracingly creative and audaciously inventive recreations of immortal standards familiar throughout the world.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Dinner Time The Nest brings an upscale sensibility to the burger joint, with gourmet beef, bison, and black bean patties dressed in inventive combinations, plus a full menu of alternatives for anyone not in a burger mood.
    — John Godfrey Published, Midwest Living, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of inventive
Adjective
  • The screenplay by Samy Burch (Oscar-nominated for May December) features one clever gag after another, such as Road Runner, making a surprise appearance in the courtroom, delivering his testimony via beeps.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than requiring you to completely detach the blades or assemble the rotor head using screws or tools in the field, the R1 uses a clever flexible four-blade geometry.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of clever
Adjective
  • The 51 projects — 40 features, six series, and five innovative or immersive works — all looking for production and financing partners, will be presented at the inaugural TIFF industry market.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The Market, which runs September 10-16, will launch 51 projects – 40 features, six series and five innovative or immersive works – that are all looking for production and financing partners.
    — Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of innovative
Adjective
  • Here was an opportunity to be bold and imaginative but only a few clubs, such as Huddersfield Town (again, more on them later), took up the challenge.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Known for his imaginative and unconventional creations, Verdura helped transform jewelry into works of art.
    — Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of imaginative
Adjective
  • The creative team also includes Alex Lacamoire on music supervision and orchestrations, David Korins on scenic design, Gregg Barnes and Sky Switser on costume design, Natasha Katz on lighting design and Peter Hylenski on sound design.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • As the perfumery acknowledges, these collaborations allow the brand to gain exposure in other creative spheres while also creating a product that is reflective of both specialties.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of creative
Adjective
  • Alex is a talented dominatrix, heroin addict, and the most powerful, magnetic and beautiful woman in every room.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Anthony Fasano shared the tight end room in Kelce’s first two years in Kansas City — which Kelce lovingly refers to as his knucklehead days — and described a talented player teetering of the edge of blowing an opportunity.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of talented

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Cite this Entry

“Ingenious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ingenious. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of ingenious for Spanish Speakers

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