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

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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 Based in London, Chris joins MVT following a career spanning government policy, international trade, science and innovation, and the creative industries. — Jem Aswad, Variety, 17 July 2026 If a kid’s activity, date, hobby, or creative plan nudges the budget, set a clear ceiling first. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026 The seven logos featured in this article exemplify this idea through their creative design. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 July 2026 That renaissance is due in large part to work the Gaultier team has done to highlight the brand’s creative codes, story and patrimony. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 17 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
  • Even inspirational leaders make boneheaded calls, as with firing an innovative defense minister.
    — Max Boot, Washington Post, 20 July 2026
  • Disengaged teams are less innovative and less resilient, and replacing experienced employees is costly.
    — Jennifer Lee, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of innovative
Adjective
  • The Chatham shop is now a destination for imaginative ice cream sandwiches, several of which are gluten-free and produced with strict celiac-level precautions.
    — Luke Pyenson, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • Johnny Moreno’s video and projection design artfully augments the production’s imaginative world.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of imaginative
Adjective
  • Shi draws on his own family history to examine ageing, domestic violence and intergenerational duty in contemporary China, working in a mode that marries close observational filmmaking with formally inventive cinematic language.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 July 2026
  • Below is another interchange with Scott, away to Newcastle the following week, as well as a piece of inventive hold-up play to free Adrien Truffert down the wing at Manchester City last November.
    — Art de Roché, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of inventive
Adjective
  • Coors Light previously has found several clever ways around that, including the Coors Light bear.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026
  • Not your basic travel pouch, the Quince Dual-Compartment Toiletry Bag has a clever design that makes packing essentials effortless.
    — Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026
Definition of clever
Adjective
  • The key is whether Arteaga can extract more from the talented arms who have underperformed elsewhere.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
  • The James Bond-style scene introduces Judith as talented, serious and a bit of a loner.
    — Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of talented

Browse Nearby Words

creations
creative
creativeness
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Cite this Entry

“Creative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/creative. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on creative

Nglish: Translation of creative for Spanish Speakers

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