invention

noun

in-ˈven(t)-shən How to pronounce invention (audio)
Definition of inventionnext
1
as in innovation
something (as a device) created for the first time through the use of the imagination his clever invention made people's lives easier

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2
as in fiction
something that is the product of the imagination unsurprisingly, the story about being kidnapped by aliens was pure invention

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3
as in imagination
the ability to form mental images of things that either are not physically present or have never been conceived or created by others a writer with great invention, she is able to create on the page worlds that don't exist but certainly seem like they could

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4
as in creativity
the skill and imagination to create new things a person of seemingly endless invention, Thomas Edison held a world-record 1,093 patents

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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 invention Effective, but not prescribed much anymore since the invention of hydrocolloid bandages. — Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026 Their centerpiece invention is a robotic, AI-powered bartender that includes talk interaction and can serve hundreds of drinks. — Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 In the late 1940s, the invention of the automatic shut-off gas nozzle enabled consumers to safely fill their own tanks without spilling gasoline or sparking a fire. — Jason Dressel, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 For years, men have talked themselves out of one of fashion’s greatest inventions. — Ashley Fetters Maloy, Washington Post, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for invention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invention
  1. innovation
  2. fiction
  3. imagination
  4. creativity
  5. tale
  6. imaginativeness
  7. creativeness
  8. fabrication
Noun
  • The American supermarket, with its endless array of products and innovations like the shopping cart and barcodes, has achieved an almost mythical status around the world.
    — Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Players ruthlessly compete for victory points derived from controlling systems, building specific structures, discovering artifacts, and researching scientific innovations.
    — Alan Bradley, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of innovation
Noun
  • If Russia behaved badly, that was the fault of its primitive and cruel Asian side, a notion that conveniently created the fiction that Western countries are not capable of similar cruelty.
    — Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The project is launching from Clive Barker Ink, the author’s creative imprint, and Ensata Press, a publishing imprint focusing on horror, dark fantasy and genre fiction.
    — Mya Copeland, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of fiction
Noun
  • The play blends fact, memory, and theatrical imagination, offering a glimpse into the creative forces behind one of the most influential works in American theater.
    — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Other exhibitions are devoted to individual artists of the 20th century, whose images connect modern imaginations with ancient emotions and beliefs.
    — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of imagination
Noun
  • Students of color deserve to learn to trust themselves, to think expansively and critically, to delight in their creativity and to love reading, learning and writing.
    — Kaliris Salas-Ramirez, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Mercury conjoins Jupiter in Leo and your 5th House of Self-Expression, making creativity, play, and performance feel larger than usual.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of creativity
Noun
  • But the tale is even more poignant now, because as part of the team’s offensive transformation, fueled by the hiring of former Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith, the Vikings are handing Bredeson a hefty role.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The two dashing newcomers have since been regaling the Georgia Aquarium’s existing belugas, a quartet of females*, with tales of their peregrinations.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of tale
Noun
  • There's also a palpable new seam of imaginativeness among residents.
    — Toby Skinner, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Nov. 2024
Definition of imaginativeness
Noun
  • But without freedom, Berdyaev writes, creativeness is impossible.
    — Andrew McDiarmid, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Definition of creativeness
Noun
  • The university investigation eventually concluded that Churchill had committed multiple instances of plagiarism, fabrication, and falsification.
    — Jeff Gurney, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Beyond their core team, Smooth Technology’s work requires partnering with fabrication and installation companies to build room-sized pieces.
    — Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of fabrication

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invention
inventions
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Cite this Entry

“Invention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invention. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on invention

Nglish: Translation of invention for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about invention

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