inventive

adjective

in·​ven·​tive in-ˈven-tiv How to pronounce inventive (audio)
Synonyms of inventivenext
1
: adept or prolific at producing inventions : creative
an inventive mind
2
: characterized by invention
an inventive method
inventively adverb
inventiveness noun

Synonyms of inventive

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Examples of inventive in a Sentence

They have given their new company an inventive name. inventive ways to use leftovers
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 restaurant is flanked by a bar serving inventive cocktails inspired by the Far Eastern heritage in the use of aromatic herbs. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2026 Cornbread, barbecue chicken, grits and seasonal market vegetables now showcase Brock’s inventive, soulful cooking — and have brought diners back to the restaurant. — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 On the lobby level, 10 Central serves an elegant afternoon tea (albeit in a small space), while YY Bar is an emerging neighborhood cocktail hang thanks to inventive drinks built around Vietnamese ingredients and regular live music. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 For inspiration, look to Celine’s inventive layering, Marni’s clash of prints and textures, or Polo Ralph Lauren’s preppy meets western aesthetic—all broken down in our anatomy of a look roundup. — Minty Mellon, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inventive

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inventive was in the 15th century

Rhymes for inventive

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inventive
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Cite this Entry

“Inventive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inventive. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inventive

adjective
in·​ven·​tive in-ˈvent-iv How to pronounce inventive (audio)
: gifted with the skill and imagination to invent
inventively adverb
inventiveness noun
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