imaginative

adjective

imag·​i·​na·​tive i-ˈma-jə-nə-tiv 

i-ˈmaj-nə-tiv;

-ˈma-jə-ˌnā-

1

a

: of, relating to, or characterized by imagination

an imaginative story

b

: tending to provoke, excite, or enliven the imagination

made some imaginative comments

c

: able to handle new or difficult problems : resourceful

a young and imaginative new leader

d

: full of freshness, originality, or vividness

imaginative designs

an imaginative menu

2

: given to imagining : having a lively imagination

a child's imaginative life

an imaginative filmmaker

3

: of or relating to images

especially : showing a command of imagery

imaginative wording

4

: devoid of truth : false

Reports of the incident were wholly imaginative.

imaginatively adverb

imaginativeness noun

Synonyms of imaginative

• inventive
• creative
• innovative
• talented
• innovational

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 on the Web

While the book dazzles with imaginative recipes, beginner bakers may find some of the more intricate cakes challenging. —The Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026

The multiverse in poetry in no less imaginative about dealing with grief and loss. —Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026

Highly imaginative and quick to grasp complex concepts, Eric interprets ideas with originality and confidence. —Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026

These captivating Southern tales will charm kids—and adults—with their sweet stories and imaginative illustrations. —Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

imaginative

adjective

imag·​i·​na·​tive im-ˈaj-(ə-)nət-iv 

-ˈaj-ə-ˌnāt-

1

: of, relating to, or showing imagination

2

: having a lively imagination

imaginatively adverb

imaginativeness noun