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

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 Being so close to this creative energy, at times eye to eye, is part of what makes punk rock so inspiring. — Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2026 That’s the view of Block the Merger, a creative industries coalition that has come together to campaign against the union between Paramount and Warner. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026 Maria Grazia Chiuri—who had begun her career at Fendi in 1989—was named the house’s chief creative officer. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026 Many classic dishes will be served, but many will have a creative bent or twist. — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for creative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for creative
  1. innovative
  2. imaginative
  3. inventive
  4. clever
  5. talented
Adjective
  • The 51 projects — 40 features, six series, and five innovative or immersive works — all looking for production and financing partners, will be presented at the inaugural TIFF industry market.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The Market, which runs September 10-16, will launch 51 projects – 40 features, six series and five innovative or immersive works – that are all looking for production and financing partners.
    — Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of innovative
Adjective
  • Here was an opportunity to be bold and imaginative but only a few clubs, such as Huddersfield Town (again, more on them later), took up the challenge.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Known for his imaginative and unconventional creations, Verdura helped transform jewelry into works of art.
    — Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of imaginative
Adjective
  • All the entries are highly personal, bracingly creative and audaciously inventive recreations of immortal standards familiar throughout the world.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Dinner Time The Nest brings an upscale sensibility to the burger joint, with gourmet beef, bison, and black bean patties dressed in inventive combinations, plus a full menu of alternatives for anyone not in a burger mood.
    — John Godfrey Published, Midwest Living, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of inventive
Adjective
  • The screenplay by Samy Burch (Oscar-nominated for May December) features one clever gag after another, such as Road Runner, making a surprise appearance in the courtroom, delivering his testimony via beeps.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than requiring you to completely detach the blades or assemble the rotor head using screws or tools in the field, the R1 uses a clever flexible four-blade geometry.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of clever
Adjective
  • Alex is a talented dominatrix, heroin addict, and the most powerful, magnetic and beautiful woman in every room.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Anthony Fasano shared the tight end room in Kelce’s first two years in Kansas City — which Kelce lovingly refers to as his knucklehead days — and described a talented player teetering of the edge of blowing an opportunity.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 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 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on creative

Nglish: Translation of creative for Spanish Speakers

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