Positive connotations:
* Ingenious: Especially for inventions or solutions.
* Resourceful: Someone who can find solutions despite limited resources.
* Astute: Someone who is quick and perceptive, especially in understanding people.
* Shrewd: Someone who is good at making practical judgments.
* Sharp: Someone who is intellectually quick and witty.
* Bright: Someone who is intelligent and quick-witted.
* Witty: Someone who is clever and humorous.
* Insightful: Someone who has a deep understanding of things.
* Sagacious: Someone who has wisdom and good judgment.
* Brilliant: Someone who is exceptionally intelligent and talented.
* Innovative: Someone who creates new ideas and solutions.
* Creative: Someone who is imaginative and original.
* Intelligent: Someone who has a high level of understanding.
Neutral connotations:
* Smart: A general term for intelligence.
* Skilled: Someone who is proficient at a particular task.
* Talented: Someone who has natural abilities in a particular area.
* Capable: Someone who is able to do something successfully.
* Quick: Someone who can think and act rapidly.
Negative connotations:
* Cunning: Someone who is clever in a deceitful way.
* Sly: Someone who is secretive and cunning.
* Tricky: Someone who is deceptive and manipulative.
* Devious: Someone who is dishonest and cunning.
* Shifty: Someone who is unreliable and untrustworthy.
More specific alternatives:
* Wily: Clever and cunning, often used for animals.
* Perspicacious: Having keen mental discernment and understanding.
* Intuitive: Able to understand something without conscious reasoning.
* Profound: Showing great depth of understanding.
Remember, the best alternative to "clever" depends on the specific context and the meaning you want to convey.