1
as in inventive
having the skill and imagination to create new things
an imaginative child who is always writing short stories about her pet cat
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in innovative
showing a noteworthy use of the imagination and creativity especially in inventing
found an imaginative gadget that can grind the beans and heat the water to brew coffee
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of imaginative
And societies become more curious, more imaginative and more open.
—
Julie Finch, Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
Guests were surrounded by whimsical installations from the imaginative minds of Pratt Institute, New York School of Interior Design and School of Visual Arts students.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 23 Mar. 2026
Kenney deserves credit for his imaginative (and cost-effective) willingness to split the new operation between two formerly moribund locations and bring them back to life.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
While the book dazzles with imaginative recipes, beginner bakers may find some of the more intricate cakes challenging.
—The Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for imaginative
Julie Finch, Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
Guests were surrounded by whimsical installations from the imaginative minds of Pratt Institute, New York School of Interior Design and School of Visual Arts students.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 23 Mar. 2026
Kenney deserves credit for his imaginative (and cost-effective) willingness to split the new operation between two formerly moribund locations and bring them back to life.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
While the book dazzles with imaginative recipes, beginner bakers may find some of the more intricate cakes challenging.
—The Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for imaginative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imaginative
Adjective
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Over the last 25 years, Nolan has delivered film after film that deftly balances mainstream appeal with eye-popping visuals, inventive narrative structures and special effects, and existential and/or philosophical themes.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
6 Apr. 2026
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The 1970s were a golden era for bold, inventive snack foods.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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That money supports our more than 200,000 students through new scholarships, innovative programs and unique educational opportunities.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
-
And all thanks to some innovative use of AI.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The home here is a ramshackle London town house where a famed painter, Julian Sklar (Ian McKellen), is spending his final years in a haze of creative stagnation and lingering renown.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
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Invest wisely, and honor your creative joy.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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It’s served alongside rice cooked with mushrooms and herbs, a clever mashup of Malaysian nasi ulam and Haitian djon djon.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
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Meghan Blanco, a former federal prosecutor and veteran defense attorney, suggested Gee’s inaction with Essayli might be a clever act of resistance.—
Kevin Rector,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Director Maria Patrice Amon has cast two talented local Latina actors in the play.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Apr. 2026
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The Current’s still one of the most talented teams in the league, boasting such USWNT veterans as Cooper, Sentnor and LaBonta, along with women who’ve played for other countries — Lorena and midfielder Rocky Rodriguez (Costa Rica), for instance.—
PJ Green
April 5,
Kansas City Star,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Imaginative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imaginative. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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