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.
The fair, officially called the World’s Columbian Exposition, aimed to showcase American ingenuity. — Alison J. Stein, HubSpot, 1 Sep. 2026 Whatever our party affiliation or political views, Americans should appreciate Roosevelt’s ingenuity, determination and confidence and applaud Eisenhower’s competence, planning and stewardship. — John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 The same immigrant culture also prized education, argument, ingenuity and, out of necessity, the ability to make something out of nothing. — Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 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 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 4 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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