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

Reportedly the most expensive South Korean movie ever, this inventive monster epic is by turns thrilling and ridiculous. — Gene Park, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2026

When working through styling combinations, the founders discovered new and inventive ways to put the looks together, creating combinations that felt surprising and very true to their brand. — Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 9 Sep. 2026

Rhodes’s inventive musicality gives her plenty of space to experiment and play. — Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 8 Sep. 2026

Texas barbecue is typically defined by salt-and-pepper brisket and pork ribs, but this new crop of halal pitmasters is adding inventive twists, often based on their own family heritages. — Ulaa Kuziez, NPR, 6 Sep. 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