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

A feeling of nonstop inspiration led to Eusexua Afterglow, her new LP and an extension of a musical era that’s won her a Mercury Prize nod, a Grammy nomination, and tons of new fans finally catching up to her inventive, otherworldly vision. —Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 12 Nov. 2025

Miracle on Market and Sippin' Santa are returning with festive decor and inventive drinks. —Amanda Hancock, Louisville Courier Journal, 12 Nov. 2025

Karthik’s cinema is rooted, inventive and wildly original, yet universal in emotion. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025

For decades, tangy, creamy and inventive concoctions defined the American salad bowl. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025

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