creative

adjective

krē-ˈā-tiv How to pronounce creative (audio)
Definition of creativenext
1
as in innovative
having the skill and imagination to create new things Thomas Edison's status as perhaps America's greatest creative genius

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in imaginative
showing a noteworthy use of the imagination and creativity especially in inventing always coming up with creative ways to use hamburger

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of creative Shapiro, who was born in the US but lives in Spain, has since taken legal action with the aid of Avant-Garde Lawyers (AGL), a group specializing in cases involving creative censorship. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 31 July 2026 Despite the challenges, in June, Loris Messina and Simone Rizzo were named Moschino’s new creative directors. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 31 July 2026 The new restriction will not apply to videos that were edited or enhanced using Snapchat’s own AI creative tools, though these videos will include transparency indicators, the company added. — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 31 July 2026 That doesn't mean rejecting technology but understanding the difference between production support and creative ideation. — Stefano Marrone, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for creative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for creative
  1. innovative
  2. imaginative
  3. inventive
  4. clever
  5. talented
Adjective
  • Treatments blend rare organic products and ingredients, a mix of innovative and traditional techniques, and a holistic, 360-degree approach to well-being—and can all be adapted to personal preferences.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • In response to these shortcomings, innovative tech companies are now taking a active, airborne approach to pest control by deploying tiny air-to-air killer drones directly into the skies to hunt down and eliminate these deadly insects.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026
Definition of innovative
Adjective
  • That was also the case for Farrell, 24, who has a similar profile as a savvy playmaker and imaginative chance-creator.
    — Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 27 July 2026
  • But while Kozue is a genuine, unapologetic weirdo, the film that is constructed around her soon betrays a less imaginative, more normative impulse — so much so that this coming-of-age story ultimately leaves a bitter taste.
    — Elena Lazic, Variety, 25 July 2026
Definition of imaginative
Adjective
  • From cute to hilarious and sometimes even weird, this year’s selection highlights joyful, inventive images.
    — Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • The most inventive kill here — set in a school gym, cuing death by treadmill and falling weights — is also the least motivated, but no matter.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 26 July 2026
Definition of inventive
Adjective
  • Cretton is the rare former indie filmmaker who pushes himself to stage clever action sequences.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
  • Octopuses are as clever, in their own way, as such famously brainy animals as crows, dolphins or chimpanzees.
    — Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 29 July 2026
Definition of clever
Adjective
  • Someone like Marcello Mastroianni, who always downplayed his being this super-talented artist, had a photographic memory and could learn everything by the first read.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
  • Rogen also worked often with Jonah Hill (Knocked Up) and James Franco (Pineapple Express), but neither of those talented young filmmakers managed to match Rogen’s energy or resilience in conjuring future projects.
    — Peter Bart, Deadline, 30 July 2026
Definition of talented

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creative
creativeness
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Cite this Entry

“Creative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/creative. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on creative

Nglish: Translation of creative for Spanish Speakers

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