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

The best Korean makeup products boast similarly innovative formulas as their skin-care counterparts, acting as complexion multitaskers—often with imaginative packaging that adds points for function and whimsy. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025

Accessory trends, such as potion belts, hint at the love for immersive and imaginative experiences. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Oct. 2025

Secondly, fantastically imaginative and even more stunningly executed. —Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025

This is a wonderfully imaginative, tender account of William Shakespeare and his world. —Phillipa Gregory, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 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