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.
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 The program takes advantage of showcasing its expansive bounty, with inventive displays of all the ways in which these artifacts traverse borders of time and space. — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 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 Each feels expansively lush without ever losing that genuinely old school rock and roll momentum, in large part due to the hypnotic drumming of Adam Shumski and inventive lead guitars of Dan Ryan. — Brendan Hay, SPIN, 12 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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inventive
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Cite this Entry

“Inventive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inventive. Accessed 19 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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