imaginative

adjective imag·i·na·tive \ i-ˈmaj-nə-tiv ; -ˈma-jə-ˌnā- , -nə- \

|Updated on: 7 Aug 2018

Examples: imaginative in a Sentence

Definition of imaginative

1 a : of, relating to, or characterized by imagination

b : devoid of truth : false

2 : given to imagining : having a lively imagination

3 : of or relating to images; especially : showing a command of imagery

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imaginatively

adverb

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imaginativeness

noun

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Examples of imaginative in a Sentence

She wrote an imaginative story about life on the planet Venus.
The restaurant's menu is quite imaginative.

Recent Examples of imaginative from the Web

Rosen, who also operates specialty food shop R&D Foods in Brooklyn, has an imaginative approach to dressings that employs everything from marmalade and miso to pumpkin seeds and watercress.

— becky krystal, chicagotribune.com, "How to leave those bottled dressings behind and make your own vinaigrette," 29 June 2018
John McDermott, the set designer, best known for his imaginative work with Bedlam Theatre Company, here gives us a pair of solid-oak Vicwardian rooms that look real enough to rent.

— terry teachout, WSJ, "‘Conflict’ Review: A Political Play Without Preaching," 21 June 2018
Unless he is supported by youth coaches and scouts who reward imaginative play, and a generation of youngsters who love the game, the money will be wasted.

— The Economist, "What makes a country good at football?," 9 June 2018
The imaginative work needed for the actors and actresses to take on the role of Trayvon or his mother necessitates the access the fears that are with them every single day.

— zito madu, GQ, "Art in a World Shaped by Trayvon," 24 Apr. 2018
Nevertheless, Rogers built an imaginative offense that was at its best in 1978 when the Spartans finished 8-3, defeated Michigan, 25-14, and tied U-M for the Big Ten championship.

— detroit free press staff, Detroit Free Press, "Darryl Rogers funeral: Arrangements set for ex-Detroit Lions, MSU coach," 13 July 2018
That led to imaginative stories about a fugitive fleeing a lynch mob.

— The Economist, "A mummy’s final meal adds to an ancient mystery," 12 July 2018
Amber Mak's Chicago Shakespeare directing debut uses imaginative staging, set design, and choreography to bring the book to life, inspiring wide-eyed awe from most junior audience members.

— marissa oberlander, Chicago Reader, "Chicago Shakespeare’s Peter Pan is a soaring delight for both kids and adults," 11 July 2018
Rosen has an imaginative approach to dressings that employs everything from marmalade and miso to pumpkin seeds and watercress.

— becky krystal, sacbee, "Shake it up: Lots of vinaigrette options," 10 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'imaginative.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of imaginative

Middle English ymaginatif "employing mental images, curious, inventive," borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French, "of the imagination, having a strong imagination, shrewd," borrowed from Medieval Latin imāginātīvus "of the imagination," from Latin imāginātus, past participle of imāginārī "to imagine" + -īvus -ive

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year