inventive

adjective

in-ˈven-tiv How to pronounce inventive (audio)
Definition of inventivenext
1
as in innovative
showing a noteworthy use of the imagination and creativity especially in inventing inventive electronic games inventive ways to use leftovers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in creative
having the skill and imagination to create new things an inventive youth, he devised an automatic feeding system for his dog

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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 inventive Since 2017, Dulgarian has grown TAGABOW from its placid, solo origins into one of the decade’s most influential and inventive shoegaze bands; the proof is in Lotto, their bold and relentless breakout LP from last year. — Abby Jones, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026 Chief executive Axel Leuenberger and chief technical officer Jérémy Freléchox previously cut their teeth at Audemars Piguet Renaud & Papi, one of Swiss watchmaking’s most sophisticated and inventive movement developers. — Rachel Ingram, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2026 However, cinematographers always need time and encouragement to get inventive with commonplace tools, especially in the documentary world where Hutchens does so much work. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026 Occasionally, VisionQuest does this in a clever way, as with an inventive late sequence that borrows from WandaVision‘s sitcom language. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inventive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inventive
  1. innovative
  2. creative
  3. imaginative
  4. talented
  5. clever
Adjective
  • During a half-hour speech, von Furstenberg reflected on major career milestones, like her first meeting with Diana Vreeland in 1970 and later being featured on the March 1976 cover of Newsweek in her innovative wrap dress.
    — Ariel Bielsky, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The radio series takes in interviews with academic hormone specialists, including the team at Imperial College in London who are conducting some of the most exciting and innovative research in this area.
    — Gavin Francis, The New York Review of Books, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of innovative
Adjective
  • The factor that seems to unite everyone is a sense of repetition—no matter the style, writers will play the same songs over and over again to reach a kind of creative trance.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Those of us in the creative world have to embrace all the ups and downs, and the rights and the wrongs.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of creative
Adjective
  • Below, shop some of the top toys for kids of all ages, including imaginative toys for preschoolers, interactive toys for big kids and toys focused on learning and development for babies and toddlers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Li tells their stories in alternating chapters, loosely grounding her narrative in historical fact and Li’s own expansive imaginative powers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of imaginative
Adjective
  • Now, the two talented performers are, once again, setting the internet on fire.
    — David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Waterstones had previously churned through young employees, so Daunt set up six major promotion points, with salary increases at each, allowing the most talented booksellers to grow across a full career.
    — Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of talented
Adjective
  • The elaborate, experiential drinks are presented on trays or pedestals alongside clever fixings.
    — Jaclyn DeGiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • From time-saving kitchen gadgets and food warmers to festive serving platters, Thanksgiving table decorations and clever ways to store leftovers, there are plenty of products that can help make the holiday feel a little less stressful.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of clever

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inventions
inventive
inventiveness
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Cite this Entry

“Inventive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inventive. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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