imagination

noun

i-ˌma-jə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce imagination (audio)
Definition of imaginationnext
1
as in creativity
the ability to form mental images of things that either are not physically present or have never been conceived or created by others a cartoonist needs a fertile imagination in order to create interesting cartoons on demand

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in creativeness
the skill and imagination to create new things she lacks the imagination to be anything but an imitator of other directors' cinematic styles

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of imagination There’s a certain elegance and sophistication to rooftop bars and restaurants captured in the American imagination. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026 Now in its eighteenth year, the international competition celebrates the skill and imagination of amateur and professional astrophotographers from across the world. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 For much of the war in Ukraine, the public imagination has been captured by explosive FPV drones, autonomous swarms, and viral footage of unmanned aircraft hunting tanks worth millions of dollars. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 29 June 2026 The beautiful Grace Kelly captured the world's attention and imagination (and still does) for decades, but no one was more enamored by the actress than Prince Rainier III of Monaco. — Freya Drohan, InStyle, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for imagination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imagination
  1. creativity
  2. creativeness
  3. imaginativeness
  4. ingenuity
  5. talent
Noun
  • Aguirre removed Quiñones in favor or taller options, but Mexico never recovered from the loss of offensive creativity.
    — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • This is a special week to focus upon your heart’s desires, creativity, and romantic world.
    — Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Definition of creativity
Noun
  • But without freedom, Berdyaev writes, creativeness is impossible.
    — Andrew McDiarmid, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Definition of creativeness
Noun
  • There's also a palpable new seam of imaginativeness among residents.
    — Toby Skinner, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Nov. 2024
Definition of imaginativeness
Noun
  • America can unleash the creativity, ingenuity, and determination of free people.
    — Marc Andersen, Fortune, 30 June 2026
  • American innovation is fueled by immigrants Immigrants have played a major role in American ingenuity.
    — Sandra Guzmán, USA Today, 29 June 2026
Definition of ingenuity
Noun
  • The Clippers acquired George because of his All-Star two-way talent and because Leonard’s arrival hinged on George’s presence.
    — Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • In any business, the rise of fame and talent comes with rabid fans who may sometimes cross the line.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of talent

Browse Nearby Words

imaginary
imagination
imaginative
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Cite this Entry

“Imagination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imagination. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on imagination

Nglish: Translation of imagination for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about imagination

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