invent

verb

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in·vent | \ in-ˈvent

invented; inventing; invents

Definition of invent

transitive verb

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

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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 But there is always, always something else to invent—like mRNA vaccines—to improve society’s living standards. — Andy Kessler, WSJ, 16 May 2021 Surely, a nation with the skills and creativity to invent a million uses for plastic also has the creativity to find a solution to this crisis and to design better alternatives. — Jeff Merkley And Alan Lowenthal, CNN, 28 Apr. 2021 History is full of examples of companies that could invent but then struggled to find commercial success for the resulting offerings. — Nate Bennett, Forbes, 26 Apr. 2021 New vaccines typically take many months to invent, develop and refine. — Dr. Abarna Ramanathan, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2021 And all the narrative twists and turns the press will invent will sit atop that fundamental reality. — Osita Nwanevu, The New Republic, 25 May 2021 Mondelez has gone a step further, creating a whole division in 2018, SnackFutures, to invent snacks and hunt for and make investments in start-ups. — New York Times, 14 May 2021 Commission Shelby Township furniture artist Anton Maka to invent one-of-a-kind pieces throughout. — Judy Rose, Detroit Free Press, 7 May 2021 These manufacturers invent brand names out of thin air and just put the exact same pills in every package. — Mike Wehner, BGR, 1 Apr. 2021

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.