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 On May 4, 1984, Oakland’s always-innovative Dave Kingman hit a ball that got stuck in the Metrodome roof in Minnesota. — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 The movie’s strength is its innovative music structure, as Pascal’s cellist plays different movie scores in a series of Hollywood sessions that throw his memories back in time. — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 3 Oct. 2026 While biomimicking a marine animal may seem like an obvious route for innovative design with underwater vehicles and buildings, the team’s approach also applies to terrestrial buildings. — New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2026 Operation Vivaldi has been largely defined by Ukraine’s innovative use of technology, especially aerial and ground drones and armored personal carriers. — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 2 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
  • Last year, there weren’t as many, but for us, animation is such an inventive form.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
  • In 2011, Joe Kay debuted Soulection as a college radio show at Cal State Long Beach, spinning rare B-sides, progressive beats, inventive flips of classic records and soulful underground tracks.
    — Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of inventive
Adjective
  • From the creators of DreamWorks Animation’s hit series Gabby’s Dollhouse, Doozie’s Doghouse is a mixed-media companion series that continues the fun with tail-wagging surprises, woof-tastic unboxings, and imaginative play.
    — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The original Ladybird housed the smallest round mechanical movement then produced in series, turning an exercise in extreme miniaturization into the foundation for some of the brand’s most imaginative jewelry watches.
    — Taylor Stoddard, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of imaginative
Adjective
  • Erin Kleinberg, founder of body and fragrance brand Sidia and co-founder of creative agency Métier, built her brand with that discipline in mind.
    — Rhea Cartwright, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
  • In addition to traditional advertising and marketing, out-of-the-box creative strategies and unconventional endeavors are at the core of his mission to get that word out that the once-wayward brand is back.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of creative
Adjective
  • Luckily, Amazon’s fitness section is loaded with clever devices to make home workouts fun, engaging, and a little sweaty.
    — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2026
  • There are some genuinely clever ideas on display, including space-saving furniture, transforming interiors, and ways of opening the home up to the outdoors.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of clever
Adjective
  • Despite a talented roster headlined by Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga, LAFC sits sixth in the Western Conference standings at 11-9-8 after winning just one of its past nine games across all competitions.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Building a talented and motivated team is essential to any business’ success.
    — Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 28 Sep. 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 7 Oct. 2026.

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