inventive

adjective

in·​ven·​tive in-ˈven-tiv 

1

: adept or prolific at producing inventions : creative

an inventive mind

2

: characterized by invention

an inventive method

inventively adverb

inventiveness noun

Synonyms of inventive

• innovative
• imaginative
• creative
• clever

Examples of inventive in a Sentence

They have given their new company an inventive name.

inventive ways to use leftovers

Recent Examples on the Web

For a taste of some of the most inventive, flavorful rice dishes out there, José Andrés’ Spanish Diner in Bethesda, Maryland features Spanish comfort food with an exciting variety of paellas. —Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026

Solid guitar rock, inventive melodies and instrumentation all contribute to the Dayton, Ohio, band’s longevity. —Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 25 Feb. 2026

That Givenchy dress, with its inventive shoulder blade cutouts, is just one part of her now-iconic ensemble. —Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 25 Feb. 2026

There are plenty of inventive ways to enjoy sweet potatoes, and these spicy sausage balls are one of the best. —Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for inventive

• agentive
• attentive
• incentive
• preventive
• retentive
• disincentive
• inattentive

Kids Definition

inventive

adjective

in·​ven·​tive in-ˈvent-iv 

: gifted with the skill and imagination to invent

inventively adverb

inventiveness noun