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

The menu leans toward inventive New American cuisine with global influences, blending steakhouse favorites with seafood, sushi and shareable appetizers. — Evan Moore august 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2026

The chain is known for pizzas with inventive toppings like Calabrian chili oil, al pastor and spicy refried bean sauce. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2026

Skua has deservedly earned a stellar reputation for its moody interiors, inventive sharing plates (like the market fish, baby fennel, horseradish, and brassica leaves course) and selection of natural wines. — Carinne Geil Botta, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

The responses were practical, personal and inventive — shaped by childhoods without AC, long workdays outdoors and family traditions passed down through generations. — Laurel Dalrymple, NPR, 31 July 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