Skip to main content
cleverly

cleverly

33 3.0
In a smart way that shows skill and good ideas
  • adverb
  • /ˈklɛvərli/
translation icon : ingeniosamente
  • She cleverly solved the puzzle before anyone else could.
  • very cleverly
  • cleverly designed
  • cleverly combines

And he's done it so cleverly, it's been so effective.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • They have very, very cleverly subverted many of the ruling classes of our country.

  • The magician cleverly tricked the audience into believing his impossible illusion.

  • Return them just as cleverly as you took them, - and I'll never talk about it again.

  • And it was so cleverly done and so hilarious.

  • These traps, very cleverly designed.

  • Still, carefully told and cleverly illustrated, this is a good story.

    Academic text (2007)
  • In other words, cleverly position your program as an essential element in the school agenda.

    Academic text (2006)
  • And he's done it so cleverly, it's been so effective.

  • At the same time, the jeweler cleverly associated its product with the desired feeling of love.

    Academic text (2013)
  • Thelonious Monk cleverly said there are no wrong notes, just better choices.

Synonyms

wisely
vscleverly
112 2.3

To act with good sense and careful thought

stresses inventiveness and quick skill over moral or cautious judgment
brilliantly
vscleverly
54 4.1

In a very clever and skillful way that impresses people

means showing intelligence or skill but not necessarily extreme brilliance
creatively
vscleverly
41 3.5

In a way that uses new ideas to make things or solve problems

emphasizes practical intelligence or skill rather than artistic imagination
intelligently
vscleverly
28 3.7

In a smart way that shows good sense

stresses ingenuity and inventive skill as well as plain intelligence
skillfully
vscleverly
22 3.2

To do something very well because you have practice and control

covers intelligence and inventive thinking as well as technical skill
expertly
vscleverly
19 3.4

In a skilful way that shows a lot of ability

is broader, also covering clever or inventive problem solving
masterfully
vscleverly
9 5.3

In a way that shows great skill

focuses more on smart thinking and inventive approaches rather than mastery alone
smartly
vscleverly
8 3.4

In a clever way that shows clear thinking

is about intelligence or skill generally, not only practical resourcefulness
artfully
vscleverly
7 5.7

In a creative, skillful way that shows careful planning

is more general about showing intelligence, not only artistic craft
shrewdly
vscleverly
6 6.0

In a clever way that shows good sense in practical matters

includes creative or intellectual ingenuity beyond practical astuteness
ingeniously
vscleverly
3 5.5

In a clever way that uses new ideas to solve problems

focuses on general intelligence or skill rather than novelty of ideas
capably
vscleverly
3 3.8

In a skilled and effective way

connotes more inventive or ingenious application of intelligence
sagely
vscleverly
3 6.3

In a wise and thoughtful way

emphasizes quick ingenuity and skill rather than reflective wisdom
adroitly
vscleverly
3 7.5

In a skillful and clever way

applies to intelligence and planning as well as physical dexterity
astutely
vscleverly
3 6.5

In a clever, careful way that shows good sense

is broader, also covering imaginative and inventive problem solving
adeptly
vscleverly
1 4.2

In a skillful and effective way

includes cleverness and ingenuity beyond merely being effective
knowledgeably
vscleverly
1 5.2

In a way that shows strong understanding of a subject

is about quick inventiveness or clever solutions rather than factual knowledge
insightfully
vscleverly
1 4.8

In a way that shows deep understanding of a subject or situation

is more about quick inventive thinking than deep analysis
incisively
vscleverly
  • Formal
1 6.8

In a clear, direct way that shows good understanding

is broader, covering inventive cleverness rather than only sharp clarity
cannily
vscleverly
1 7.4

In a clever and careful way to get an advantage

leans more toward inventive intelligence than guarded prudence
sagaciously
vscleverly
  • Formal
1 8.9

Acting wisely and carefully to make good decisions

focuses more on inventive or skillful intelligence than long-term judgment

Antonyms

38 2.7

In a clumsy or uncomfortable way, often showing nervousness around other people

12 2.8

In an awkward way that shows little skill or control

How Clever

brilliantly
54 4.1
ingeniously
3 5.5
cleverly
33 3.0
shrewdly
6 6.0
skillfully
22 3.2

Surface Forms

cleverly positive

Morphology

cleverly = clever (transparent) = clever + ly

Adverb formed regularly from the adjective 'clever' with productive suffix '-ly'; meaning is directly derived.

Etymology

Cleverly comes from clever, an old word that once meant something like 'easy to handle' or 'skillful'. A helpful way to remember it is to think of doing something cleverly as doing it with skill or a smart trick, so it means 'in a smart or skillful way'.