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.
Your inventive mind can find a fair solution, Aquarius, but the best system is one people will follow without needing a twelve-page instruction manual. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 2 Sep. 2026 This was a very inventive opening sequence, but the crowd sat quietly through most of it. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Before that comes a vast and dramatically static stretch of what speculative-fiction circles often call ‘world-building’— a full, inventive, elaborately detailed portrait of Andersen’s vision of the next 19 years of American history. — Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026 There’s the restaurant Matilda downstairs, offering inventive fare inspired by the region from New York chefs Jeremiah Stone and Fabián Von Hauske Valtierra. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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