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.
As a designer at his own brand and beyond, Jacobs has a long history with inventive footwear. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 30 June 2026 As the clock ticked toward halftime, the Canadians got a little more inventive and put more pressure on the Bafana Bafana penalty area. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 28 June 2026 For a fast-casual lunch stop, head to JB's Cali Fusion, which does inventive fusion burritos. — Chris Dong, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026 Known for being one of Chicago’s largest, most iconic, and creative breweries, this institution has a killer beer garden and an inventive kitchen with a menu that changes seasonally. — Midwest Living, 1 July 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 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on inventive

Nglish: Translation of inventive for Spanish Speakers

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