innovative

adjective

ˈi-nə-ˌvā-tiv How to pronounce innovative (audio)
Definition of innovativenext
1
as in inventive
having the skill and imagination to create new things an award for the most innovative designer of consumer electronics

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in imaginative
showing a noteworthy use of the imagination and creativity especially in inventing innovative automotive technology

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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 innovative Key points Cerebras' innovative Wafer-Scale Engine chip design could give it a competitive edge in AI computing. — Paul Meeks, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 While some call it innovative, is there something that gets missed when the hard conversations about safety and pleasure become a digital feedback loop? — Brittany Luse, NPR, 21 Oct. 2026 Revada will also house the innovative and immersive opera company In Series, which has never had a proper home, and 4Eye Film Center, a new 58-seat art house cinema. — Rudi Greenberg, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026 Ahead, find 23 gifts that exemplify the word luxury, from classic timepieces to innovative tech. — Genevieve Cepeda, InStyle, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for innovative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for innovative
  1. inventive
  2. imaginative
  3. creative
  4. clever
  5. talented
Adjective
  • The restaurant is flanked by a bar serving inventive cocktails inspired by the Far Eastern heritage in the use of aromatic herbs.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Cornbread, barbecue chicken, grits and seasonal market vegetables now showcase Brock’s inventive, soulful cooking — and have brought diners back to the restaurant.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of inventive
Adjective
  • Below, shop some of the top toys for kids of all ages, including imaginative toys for preschoolers, interactive toys for big kids and toys focused on learning and development for babies and toddlers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Li tells their stories in alternating chapters, loosely grounding her narrative in historical fact and Li’s own expansive imaginative powers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of imaginative
Adjective
  • The factor that seems to unite everyone is a sense of repetition—no matter the style, writers will play the same songs over and over again to reach a kind of creative trance.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Those of us in the creative world have to embrace all the ups and downs, and the rights and the wrongs.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of creative
Adjective
  • The elaborate, experiential drinks are presented on trays or pedestals alongside clever fixings.
    — Jaclyn DeGiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • From time-saving kitchen gadgets and food warmers to festive serving platters, Thanksgiving table decorations and clever ways to store leftovers, there are plenty of products that can help make the holiday feel a little less stressful.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of clever
Adjective
  • Now, the two talented performers are, once again, setting the internet on fire.
    — David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Waterstones had previously churned through young employees, so Daunt set up six major promotion points, with salary increases at each, allowing the most talented booksellers to grow across a full career.
    — Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of talented

Browse Nearby Words

innovations
innovative
innovativeness
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Cite this Entry

“Innovative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/innovative. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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