inventive

adjective

in-ˈven-tiv How to pronounce inventive (audio)
Definition of inventivenext
1
as in innovative
showing a noteworthy use of the imagination and creativity especially in inventing inventive electronic games inventive ways to use leftovers

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2
as in creative
having the skill and imagination to create new things an inventive youth, he devised an automatic feeding system for his dog

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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 inventive 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 On the lobby level, 10 Central serves an elegant afternoon tea (albeit in a small space), while YY Bar is an emerging neighborhood cocktail hang thanks to inventive drinks built around Vietnamese ingredients and regular live music. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 Since 2017, Dulgarian has grown TAGABOW from its placid, solo origins into one of the decade’s most influential and inventive shoegaze bands; the proof is in Lotto, their bold and relentless breakout LP from last year. — Abby Jones, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inventive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inventive
  1. innovative
  2. creative
  3. imaginative
  4. talented
  5. clever
Adjective
  • The framework enables full-time employees to spend one day a week exploring unconventional, innovative ideas.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Musk has many critics, but Marian Tupy, a senior fellow at the libertarian Cato Institute, says non-conformists like Musk often lead innovative companies that help drive economic growth.
    — Frank Langfitt, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of innovative
Adjective
  • The Latvian delegation was led by Liene Gulbe, film commissioner and creative industries rep at the Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA), which administers the national cash rebate.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 13 Nov. 2026
  • The government’s Global Talent program was launched in 2020 and was designed to attract creative workers, including scientists and artists.
    — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of creative
Adjective
  • His attraction to the imaginative genre began at an early age thanks to some cool family friends while growing up in the Big Easy.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Designed for ages 3 to 12, the shiny indoor space is cleverly set up into various imaginative zones, from a plush mediaeval princess castle to a play gym with climbing wall.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of imaginative
Adjective
  • Except Moe is nice, caring, and talented, while Matt is arrogant, unpleasant, and, at the beginning of the episode, belligerently drunk.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Casey and his talented team help shepherd television that shapes our culture, stands the test of time, and protects the originality of storytellers.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of talented
Adjective
  • For el Sayed, the challenge will be proving that the invitation amounts to more than a clever political exchange.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Here are some tips, tricks, and hacks; not to mention some clever decorating ideas to elevate a holiday meal into something extraordinary.
    — Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of clever

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inventions
inventive
inventiveness
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Cite this Entry

“Inventive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inventive. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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