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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 film ties these events into larger concerns surrounding freedom of the press and some inventive government conspiracies. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026 One of its most inventive features was the rolleron, a small toothed wheel mounted on each rear fin. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026 Giuliano’s inventive approach to the mayhem is such that even a mid-credits scene that opens the door to more sequels feels fresh. — Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026 The latest installment in the beloved franchise introduces a brand-new cast of heroes, but its compelling storylines, inventive battles, and heart still remain the same. — Tiffany Kelly, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inventive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inventive
  1. innovative
  2. creative
  3. imaginative
  4. talented
  5. clever
Adjective
  • Even brands deeply rooted in minimalism, such as Jil Sander and Loro Piana, evolved their aesthetic through sophisticated fabrics, innovative shapes and precise cuts that ensure strong relevancy for the upcoming season.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Local and regional streaming platforms are again looking for innovative ways to monetize the demand for African content, while policymakers in a number of countries are putting the creative industries front and center.
    — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of innovative
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
  • 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
  • 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
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

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inventive
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Cite this Entry

“Inventive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inventive. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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