CLEVER

Pronunciation (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does clever mean? 

• CLEVER (adjective)
  The adjective CLEVER has 4 senses:

1. skillful (or showing skill) in adapting means to ends
2. showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others
3. mentally quick and resourceful
4. showing inventiveness and skill

  Familiarity information: CLEVER used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• CLEVER (adjective)

Meaning:

Skillful (or showing skill) in adapting means to ends

Synonyms:

adroit; clever; ingenious

Context examples:

cool prudence and sensitive selfishness along with quick perception of what is possible--these distinguish an adroit politician / came up with a clever story / an ingenious press agent / an ingenious scheme

Similar:

artful (marked by skill in achieving a desired end especially with cunning or craft)

Meaning:

Showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others

Synonyms:

canny; cagy; cagey; clever

Context examples:

a cagey lawyer / too clever to be sound

Similar:

smart (showing mental alertness and calculation and resourcefulness)

Meaning:

Mentally quick and resourceful

Synonyms:

apt; clever

Context examples:

an apt pupil / you are a clever man...you reason well and your wit is bold

Similar:

intelligent (having the capacity for thought and reason especially to a high degree)

Meaning:

Showing inventiveness and skill

Synonyms:

cunning; ingenious; clever

Context examples:

a clever gadget / the cunning maneuvers leading to his success / an ingenious solution to the problem

Similar:

adroit (quick or skillful or adept in action or thought)