innovative

adjective

ˈi-nə-ˌvā-tiv How to pronounce innovative (audio)
Definition of innovativenext
1
as in inventive
having the skill and imagination to create new things an award for the most innovative designer of consumer electronics

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in imaginative
showing a noteworthy use of the imagination and creativity especially in inventing innovative automotive technology

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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 innovative The International Atomic Energy Agency launched its ATLAS initiative on August 26 to encourage dialogue and improve technical understanding of innovative nuclear applications and their safety and regulatory implications. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026 However, instead of a conservative regression, Dressen has noticed institutions striving to adopt more innovative practices on a number of levels. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Its innovative cutting-edge treatments, some found nowhere else, reaffirm the destination spa’s renown as one of the finest in the nation. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026 The documentary around that single day and single game also weaves into the account of Curry’s on-court artistry the thoughts of other innovative artists like Viola Davis, Rick Rubin, Patti Smith, and Jon Batiste. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for innovative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for innovative
  1. inventive
  2. imaginative
  3. creative
  4. clever
  5. talented
Adjective
  • 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, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of inventive
Adjective
  • Bat is entranced by the instruction manual written in many languages, while Snake finds endless imaginative uses for the box itself.
    — Caroline Carlson, Literary Hub, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Still, for every resourceful, imaginative low-budget success, there is a bungled movie that aspires, if not to quality, then at least to financial viability, but instead achieves legendary ineptitude.
    — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of imaginative
Adjective
  • Adding to the resort’s already extensive list of experiences—ranging from creative expression, fitness, and integrative wellbeing to outdoor adventure, yoga, and nourishment—are several new offerings.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The illusion of molten steel was basically water and mineral oil mixed with a little powdered sugar; creative lighting and heaters placed below the cameras—plus a few CGI sparks in the background—did the rest.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of creative
Adjective
  • The renovation took two years, and the sisters are still updating and tweaking the villa with new color schemes and clever offerings.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Of course, that always creates opportunities for movies to break through and shine, thanks to clever marketing.
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of clever
Adjective
  • But with the talented dual-threat QB healthy and a more seasoned Sooners front, the hunch here is that OU will be much improved on offense in 2026.
    — Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • For the longest time, as an ambassador and protector of American motorsports and one of the most talented drivers to ever sit in a stock car, Denny Hamlin didn’t believe in luck.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of talented

Browse Nearby Words

innovations
innovative
innovativeness
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Cite this Entry

“Innovative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/innovative. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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