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

The trendy yet antique space features inventive drinks in addition to all the typical espresso options. —Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026

Every dish was an experience—fresh, inventive, and actually good. —Melissa Petro, Travel + Leisure, 19 Feb. 2026

The former prince has been able to keep his financial affairs a secret for years through inventive uses of confidentiality clauses from his dealings with mainly wealthy foreign people. —Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026

Here, the arc is more explicit, less inventive. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 18 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