inventive

1 of 2

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

inventiveness

2 of 2

noun

in·​ven·​tive·​ness

-tivnə̇s, 

-tēv- also -təv-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being inventive : ingenuity, creativity

Synonyms of inventive

Adjective

• innovative
• imaginative
• creative
• clever

Examples of inventive in a Sentence

Adjective

They have given their new company an inventive name.

inventive ways to use leftovers

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Asymmetrical necklines, inventive cut-outs, and unexpected and evocative colors like aqua, peach fuzz, and poppy make Araks' luxe swim staples, priced between $140 (for a bikini top or bottom) and $395 (for a one-piece swimsuit), feel modern and timeless. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 24 June 2026

Local chef Pasquale Palamaro draws on his memories of the island’s flavors to create inventive dishes that highlight the sea’s bounty. — Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2026

Overlooking scenic gardens, inventive dishes like Cornish Crab with leafy clementine, marigold, and timut pepper are perfectly executed by Chef Daniel Clifford. — Carinne Geil Botta, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Linen, always a seasonal mainstay, was seen in inventive ways, from long line overshirts and evening jackets to snap-front Western shirts. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 23 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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