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

There’s the restaurant Matilda downstairs, offering inventive fare inspired by the region from New York chefs Jeremiah Stone and Fabián Von Hauske Valtierra. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026

Fiendishly inventive with her talent and person, and proud of even the gnarliest of her Tennessee roots, Parton also represented the South at its very best. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Reilly works at the intersection of props and food, creating inventive and often unconventional culinary elements for the screen. — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026

The opening menu is set to feature various inventive dishes, such as Spicy Tuna Dip (made with sesame and avocado served with nori tapioca chips) and Heritage Half Chicken (served with sansho pepper, pickled daikon and a shiso return). — Hannah Hudnall, USA Today, 25 Aug. 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