Synonyms for cleverness
clev·er·ness

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. cleverness

   Sharpness, acuteness, and insight, however keen, and penetration, however deep, fall short of the meaning of acumen, which implies also ability to use these qualities to advantage. There are persons of keen insight and great penetration to whom these powers are practically useless. Acumen is sharpness to some purpose, and belongs to a mind that is comprehensive as well as keen. Cleverness is a practical aptitude for study or learning. Insight and discernment are applied oftenest to the judgment of character; penetration and perspicacity to other subjects of knowledge. Sagacity is an uncultured skill in using quick perceptions for a desired end, generally in practical affairs; acumen may increase with study, and applies to the most erudite matters. Shrewdness is keenness or sagacity, often with a somewhat evil bias, as ready to take advantage of duller intellects. Perspicacity is the power to see clearly through that which is difficult or involved. We speak of the acuteness of an observer or a reasoner, the insight and discernment of a student, a clergyman, or a merchant, the sagacity of a hound, the keenness of a debater, the shrewdness of a usurer, the penetration, perspicacity, and acumen of a philosopher.

   Synonyms:
   acumen, acuteness, discernment, insight, keenness, penetration, perspicacity, sagacity, sharpness, shrewdness

   Antonyms:
   bluntness, dulness, obtuseness, stupidity

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms:5.0 / 1 vote

1. inventiveness, ingeniousness, ingenuity, clevernessnoun

   the power of creative imagination

   Synonyms:
   smartness, brightness, ingenuity, inventiveness, ingeniousness

2. brightness, cleverness, smartnessnoun

   intelligence as manifested in being quick and witty

   Synonyms:
   swank, smart, ingenuity, chichi, alacrity, brightness level, chic, last word, briskness, inventiveness, luminosity, stylishness, smarting, luminousness, luminance, light, brightness, chicness, smartness, modishness, ingeniousness

3. ingenuity, ingeniousness, clevernessnoun

   the property of being ingenious

   "a plot of great ingenuity"; "the cleverness of its design"

   Synonyms:
   ingeniousness, smartness, brightness, ingenuity, inventiveness

Matched Categories

1. • Creativity
   • Intelligence

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. clevernessnoun

   Synonyms:
   dexterity, adroitness, skill, aptness, aptitude, readiness, quickness, smartness, expertness, ability

2. clevernessnoun

   Synonyms:
   [U. S.] benignity, kindness, kindliness, amiability, kind-heartedness, fellow-feeling, good-nature

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "cleverness":

   ingenuity, resourcefulness

How to pronounce cleverness?

How to say cleverness in sign language?

Words popularity by usage frequency

How to use cleverness in a sentence?

1. Francois de La Rochefoucauld:

   The height of cleverness is to be able to conceal it.

2. Elbert Hubbard:

   An ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of cleverness.

3. Jalal ud-Din Rumi:

   Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment.

4. Carole Baskin:

   I was suspicious as we were doing it because the questions appeared taped. But had no idea it would turn out to be such a fun prank, it gave us a very welcome good laugh. I appreciate their cleverness and that they created their video in a way that I don't feel was in any way mean spirited.

5. Israel Zangwill:

   A man likes his wife to be just clever enough to comprehend his cleverness, and just stupid enough to admire it.