innovative

adjective

in·​no·​va·​tive ˈi-nə-ˌvā-tiv 

: characterized by, tending to, or introducing innovations

innovatively adverb

innovativeness noun

Synonyms of innovative

• inventive
• creative
• innovational
• imaginative
• talented

Examples of innovative in a Sentence

an innovative approach to the problem

a creative and innovative young designer

Recent Examples on the Web

That money supports our more than 200,000 students through new scholarships, innovative programs and unique educational opportunities. —Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026

And all thanks to some innovative use of AI. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 5 Apr. 2026

The innovative improvisational metal trio Puscifer, which also has performance art elements, was founded by Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026

Outcry over the funding cuts prompted Republican lawmakers to create $50 billion in new rural health grants, but critics say that funding is intended for innovative health care delivery solutions — not propping up hospitals buckling under current pressures. —ABC News, 3 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for innovative

• allocative
• appellative
• commutative
• connotative
• copulative
• degradative
• dissipative
• educative
• exudative
• facultative
• imitative
• infiltrative