invent

verb

in-ˈvent How to pronounce invent (audio)
Definition of inventnext
as in to devise
to create or think of by clever use of the imagination they invented an explanation for the broken vase that would satisfy their grandmother

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 invent Cassettes preserve her mother’s voice, while Marina creates false recordings and invented memories as her family struggles with grief. — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026 Despite that footprint, the basic cement-making process has changed relatively little since the material was invented in 1824. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026 Rendering something complex and alive, trying not to invent but remaining faithful to her language in another language, took over my thinking. — Wallis Wilde-Menozzi, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026 Starbucks invented the drink in 2003, and from its debut through 2014 the recipe contained only spices and flavorings, according to Starbucks. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for invent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invent
  1. devise
  2. concoct
  3. construct
Verb
  • To create objects with collapsibility as a core feature, Toyonaga’s team devised an analytic design algorithm allowing incremental construction of complex scissored surfaces.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Then, in a famous 1937 paper, the mathematician Alan Turing devised a model based on hypothetical machines that could read and write symbols printed on an infinite tape according to a set of simple rules.
    — Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of devise
Verb
  • But this is largely a myth, concocted by critics and cool kids to explain away and undercut the popularity of their music.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Think hands-on, creative culinary practices like concocting herbal infusions, blending spices, and fermenting.
    — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of concoct
Verb
  • But Boulder City’s planning commission voted unanimously against constructing the data center on city land, according to the Current.
    — Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2026
  • In addition to water, many are concerned about consumer protections regarding electricity rate increases, demands on renewable energy and requirements about who gets employed to construct data centers.
    — Greta Reich, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of construct

Browse Nearby Words

inveigling
invent
invented
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Invent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invent. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of apiary

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All