inventive

adjective

in·​ven·​tive in-ˈven-tiv 

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

• innovative
• imaginative
• creative
• clever

Examples of inventive in a Sentence

They have given their new company an inventive name.

inventive ways to use leftovers

Recent Examples on the Web

All the entries are highly personal, bracingly creative and audaciously inventive recreations of immortal standards familiar throughout the world. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026

Dinner Time The Nest brings an upscale sensibility to the burger joint, with gourmet beef, bison, and black bean patties dressed in inventive combinations, plus a full menu of alternatives for anyone not in a burger mood. — John Godfrey Published, Midwest Living, 8 Aug. 2026

Local menus are currently stacked with sweet and savory tributes to peaches, ranging from heirloom salads and crudos to inventive desserts and cocktails. — Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026

The menu leans toward inventive New American cuisine with global influences, blending steakhouse favorites with seafood, sushi and shareable appetizers. — Evan Moore august 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for inventive

• agentive
• attentive
• incentive
• preventive
• retentive
• disincentive
• inattentive

Kids Definition

inventive

adjective

in·​ven·​tive in-ˈvent-iv 

: gifted with the skill and imagination to invent

inventively adverb

inventiveness noun