cre·a·tive
krē-ˈā-tiv 
ˈkrē-ˌā-
1
2
: having the quality of something created rather than imitated : imaginative
the creative arts
creative writing
3
: managed so as to get around legal or conventional limits
creative financing
also
: deceptively arranged so as to conceal or defraud
creative accounting
creatively
adverb
creativeness
noun
1
: one who is creative
especially
: one involved in the creation of advertisements
2
: creative activity or the material produced by it especially in advertising
Examples of creative in a Sentence
Adjective
She's a very creative person.
She has one of the most creative minds in the business.
They've come up with some creative new ways to make money.
a creative solution to a difficult problem
He teaches creative writing at the university.
the first step in the creative process
It turns out that the company's report of record profits last year was due to some creative accounting.
Recent Examples on the Web
Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 1 May 2025
With a bold new identity and logo developed in collaboration with creative agency Doubleday & Cartwright, the AU Pro Volleyball Championship builds on Athletes Unlimited’s legacy of innovation since its 2021 debut.
—Jenn Nelson, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 May 2025
In the entertainment business those insights can be used to tune up a range of materials, but – and here’s where creatives might breathe a sigh of relief – its real-world use currently comes after the design of the key art.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for creative
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
Just serve up the familiar, without getting creative.
—Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 1 May 2025
With a bold new identity and logo developed in collaboration with creative agency Doubleday & Cartwright, the AU Pro Volleyball Championship builds on Athletes Unlimited’s legacy of innovation since its 2021 debut.
—Jenn Nelson, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Noun
Plus, their undeniable chemistry (equal parts steamy and soulful) drives a story that doubles as a heartfelt tribute to Black creatives in theater, music, and film.
6.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 May 2025
In the entertainment business those insights can be used to tune up a range of materials, but – and here’s where creatives might breathe a sigh of relief – its real-world use currently comes after the design of the key art.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for creative
Cite this Entry
“Creative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/creative. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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