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
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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 action is zippy, as anything involving bodies falling hundreds of feet or hovercars crashing through glass office buildings is bound to be, but for the most part not especially inventive. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026 But even still, in an era of rising costs and formulaic games, the Playdate remains a breath of fresh air, a comparatively affordable platform that’s home to games that are inventive and surprising. — Andrew Webster, The Verge, 9 Oct. 2026 From bizarre medical tests to a mass phobia of beans, here are 14 surprising facts that reveal just how inventive, eccentric, and fascinating the ancient Greeks really were. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026 Paris Fashion Week wrapped up a month of inventive and expressive street style, with denim often serving as the preferred canvas. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 9 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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Cite this Entry

“Inventive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inventive. Accessed 14 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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