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 Using premium ingredients and modern cooking techniques, the team serves up classic BBQ staples alongside inventive takes on fan-favorite dishes. — Rs Editors, Rolling Stone, 2 July 2026 For more than 30 years now – an anniversary that the band celebrated in 2025 – Deftones have been releasing some of the best, catchiest and most inventive alternative, hard rock and metal music. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Fine dining meets live fire at Firedoor, while Ragazzi has some of Sydney’s best pasta, and PS40 is a cocktail bar that incorporates bush ingredients in its inventive menu. — Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026 If American music in 1976 represented a collective, inquisitive, inventive American spirit of discovery, the semiquincentennial in the age of social media has become more about the individual identity. — Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inventive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inventive
  1. innovative
  2. creative
  3. imaginative
  4. talented
  5. clever
Adjective
  • Inspired by the effects of microneedling, natural Dermal Micro-points innovative collagen-boosting gel formula mimics some of the benefits of the procedure, without the needles.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026
  • But over the last year, there’s been more interest in its innovative possibilities.
    — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026
Definition of innovative
Adjective
  • In her new memoir Famesick, Dunham wrote a message to Swift, saying much of the book's creative process was soundtracked by her music.
    — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
  • Their wedding ceremony looks were created by Christian Dior Haute Couture, designed by creative director Jonathan Anderson.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of creative
Adjective
  • The chef’s love for British ingredients and imaginative flavor profiles, coupled with the fact that its menu is entirely dairy- and gluten-free makes its offering quite unique.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026
  • Del Toro remains one of Hollywood’s most imaginative visual entertainers, and the prospect of visiting his long-dormant underworld later in 2026 promises not just fresh nostalgia but maybe even total immersion.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 30 June 2026
Definition of imaginative
Adjective
  • Queiroz is confident his experience can help guide a team of talented players, many of whom also play in some of the biggest pro leagues in the world.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • But in the middle exists a vibrant tier of talented, independent creators, shows too good to be overlooked, yet too small to attract traditional network support.
    — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of talented
Adjective
  • See, for me, naming a snowplow isn’t just about clever wordplay.
    — Mark Glende, Twin Cities, 2 July 2026
  • Later in the day, your mind finds a clever solution, a useful contact or a whole new point of view.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 July 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on inventive

Nglish: Translation of inventive for Spanish Speakers

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