innovative

adjective

in·​no·​va·​tive ˈi-nə-ˌvā-tiv 

: characterized by, tending to, or introducing innovations

innovatively adverb

innovativeness noun

Synonyms of innovative

• inventive
• creative
• innovational
• imaginative
• talented

Examples of innovative in a Sentence

an innovative approach to the problem

a creative and innovative young designer

Recent Examples on the Web

As a result, the company has developed innovative techniques around drill motors, bit designs — the company uses a polycrystalline diamond compact drill bit — and drilling fluids. — Pippa Stevens, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026

The overwhelming response from our community reflects the strength of pairing On’s innovative heritage with our deep understanding of women and our passion for blending function with style. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2026

Crews fighting the fire took an innovative approach Monday, using ground vehicles to apply a fire retardant typically dropped from airplanes, according to a post on the forest service’s Facebook page. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2026

For this reason, Triola’s belief that a machine’s aggregation acumen presents chefs with an innovative tool for designing recipes strikes me as misguided. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for innovative

• allocative
• appellative
• applicative
• commutative
• connotative
• copulative
• degradative
• dissipative
• educative
• exudative
• facultative
• imitative