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

Some lean into local sourcing, others spotlight inventive beverage programs or embrace dietary inclusivity. —Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 9 Jan. 2026

With an inventive concept inspired by the Dutch series De Verraders and a superbly dressed host, The Traitors is a murder mystery game show par excellence. —Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 8 Jan. 2026

What dancemaker Morris says about Bacharach Morris, who has been at the forefront of inventive dance for decades, has set his evening-long dance concert to arrangements by jazz master Ethan Iverson. —Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026

At Glenlaurel Inn & Spa nearby, inventive food and plush cabins balance brisk hikes for a perfectly woodsy winter getaway. —Ashlyn Ware, Midwest Living, 7 Jan. 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