invent

in·vent | \ in-ˈvent

invented; inventing; invents

Definition of invent

1 : to produce (something, such as a useful device or process) for the first time through the use of the imagination or of ingenious thinking and experiment

2 : to devise by thinking : fabricate

3 archaic : find, discover

Other Words from invent Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about invent

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Examples of invent in a Sentence

Thomas Edison invented the phonograph. She is credited with inventing a procedure that has helped to save thousands of lives. She invented a clever excuse. We found out that he had invented the stories he told us about his military service.

Recent Examples on the Web For about a week, no one in Washington or Ottawa could invent a reason for anyone to be in Tehran. — Catherine Cusick, Longreads, "25 Movies and the Magazine Stories That Inspired Them," 10 Aug. 2020 But what if someone could invent a razor that stays sharp for six months, or even a year? — Eric Niiler, Wired, "Why Do Razor Blades Dull So Quickly?," 6 Aug. 2020 While some of his opinions may be questionable — Trump certainly promoted birtherism but didn't invent it — what in his laundry list is false? — Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, "How a single sentence in The Atlantic annihilated Trump's coronavirus response," 5 Aug. 2020 Quarantine has inspired plenty of fear, but leave it to a horror aficionado to invent a chillingly fresh twist: a scary movie filmed entirely remotely from the cast members’ homes. — Kathy Passero, al, "A Zoom seance goes terrifyingly awry in ‘Host’ on Shudder," 30 July 2020 One thing that may make (1) more reasonable here is that there are network effects around social products and a finite number of different social mechanics to invent. — Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica, "Zuckerberg wrote “Instagram can hurt us” days before acquisition," 29 July 2020 Both were able to invent a convenient scapegoat, Tye said. — Jim Higgins, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Biographer draws from Marquette archives for deeper view of Joe McCarthy," 8 July 2020 Touching your face is a difficult habit to break, so NASA set out to invent a solution. — Dalvin Brown, USA TODAY, "Coronavirus: NASA invented a wearable that reminds you not to touch your face," 29 June 2020 Managers will be asked to read the tea leaves and re-invent the wheel, every day. — Paul Daugherty, The Enquirer, "Doc's Morning Line: This MLB season will purely be about entertainment," 29 June 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'invent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.