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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 In choosing Anderson to design her wedding dress, Swift chose a designer just a few years her senior, at 41, and one who was named creative director at Dior just over one year ago. — ABC News, 3 July 2026 The two sites will operate as an integrated post-production platform intended to retain more audiovisual work, spending and creative control in Spain rather than outsourcing those services abroad. — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 3 July 2026 Gunn and Gillespie had creative differences over the direction of the movie, numerous sources tell The Hollywood Reporter, and the film never found its footing in the post-production process. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026 Their wedding ceremony looks were created by Christian Dior Haute Couture, designed by creative director Jonathan Anderson. — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 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
  • Inspired by the effects of microneedling, natural Dermal Micro-points innovative collagen-boosting gel formula mimics some of the benefits of the procedure, without the needles.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026
  • But over the last year, there’s been more interest in its innovative possibilities.
    — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026
Definition of innovative
Adjective
  • The chef’s love for British ingredients and imaginative flavor profiles, coupled with the fact that its menu is entirely dairy- and gluten-free makes its offering quite unique.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026
  • Del Toro remains one of Hollywood’s most imaginative visual entertainers, and the prospect of visiting his long-dormant underworld later in 2026 promises not just fresh nostalgia but maybe even total immersion.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 30 June 2026
Definition of imaginative
Adjective
  • If American music in 1976 represented a collective, inquisitive, inventive American spirit of discovery, the semiquincentennial in the age of social media has become more about the individual identity.
    — Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • Using premium ingredients and modern cooking techniques, the team serves up classic BBQ staples alongside inventive takes on fan-favorite dishes.
    — RS Editors, Rolling Stone, 2 July 2026
Definition of inventive
Adjective
  • See, for me, naming a snowplow isn’t just about clever wordplay.
    — Mark Glende, Twin Cities, 2 July 2026
  • Later in the day, your mind finds a clever solution, a useful contact or a whole new point of view.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Definition of clever
Adjective
  • Queiroz is confident his experience can help guide a team of talented players, many of whom also play in some of the biggest pro leagues in the world.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • But in the middle exists a vibrant tier of talented, independent creators, shows too good to be overlooked, yet too small to attract traditional network support.
    — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 2 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on creative

Nglish: Translation of creative for Spanish Speakers

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