ingenuity

noun

in·​ge·​nu·​i·​ty ˌin-jə-ˈnü-ə-tē How to pronounce ingenuity (audio)
-ˈnyü-
plural ingenuities
Synonyms of ingenuity
1
a
: skill or cleverness in devising or combining : inventiveness
b
: cleverness or aptness of design or contrivance
2
: an ingenious device or contrivance
3
obsolete : candor, ingenuousness

Synonyms of ingenuity

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Examples of ingenuity in a Sentence

She showed amazing ingenuity in finding ways to cut costs. It will take considerable ingenuity to fix these problems.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Her work regularly calls for ingenuity, precision and close collaboration with Property Masters and production teams, whether creating paleo dog food for an actor or an apple pie with no apples. — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026 This unique spectacle, likely a one-time occurrence, is a testament to American ingenuity. — Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 Over the course of the 95-minute run time, Cole will also deploy knives, a fire ax, a fishing spear, various firearms, and his very capable fists to take out foes, but the lock marks a high point in terms of situation-specific ingenuity. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2026 The Freedom 250 Grand Prix will take over the corridors of American power this weekend, the result of more than a year of political maneuvering and design ingenuity. — Adam Kilgore, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ingenuity

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1592, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of ingenuity was circa 1592

Rhymes for ingenuity

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Browse Nearby Words

ingenue
ingenuity
ingenuous
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Cite this Entry

“Ingenuity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ingenuity. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ingenuity

noun
in·​ge·​nu·​ity
ˌin-jə-ˈn(y)ü-ət-ē
plural ingenuities
1
: skill or cleverness in discovering, inventing, or planning
2
: an ingenious device
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