imaginative

adjective

imag·​i·​na·​tive i-'ma-jə-nə-tiv 

i-ˈmaj-nə-tiv;

-ˈma-jə-ˌnā-

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

imaginatively adverb

imaginativeness noun

Synonyms

• clever
• creative
• ingenious
• innovational
• innovative
• innovatory
• inventive
• original
• originative
• Promethean

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

Another highlight of the restaurant is its imaginative cocktail menu, featuring signature sips like the Electric Sly, Red Line Remedy and a zesty lemon and golden spritz infused with tej honey wine. —Taryn White, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

This imaginative backstory, brought to life with the help of the French film studio Gaumont, adds a magical dimension that makes Mirokaï feel more like a companion than a machine. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2025

With its bold visual style, diverse cast, and deeply personal storytelling, the show stands as a singular testament to the value of unconventional, imaginative voices. —Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 1 May 2025

An upper bedroom has a bookcase and covert panels leading to a secret room — a delight for imaginative young minds. —Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 30 Apr. 2025

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