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

• 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

This sculptural Snoopy mug brings the scene to life, featuring the dog in his heroic Flying Ace outfit (which doubles as an adorable Halloween costume idea), scarf and goggles in place, ready for imaginative aerial battles. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025

Again, bold and daring and wild changes, sure, but also imaginative and illuminating. —Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2025

Miral is responsible for both of these areas whereas Disney will supply the designers, known as Imagineers for their imaginative use of engineering. —Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

As long as readers continue to crave that liminal space between dreams and reality, Labyrinth and its imaginative literary descendants will endure. —Logan Karlie september 2, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 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