IMAGINATION Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

imagination

noun

i-ˌma-jə-ˈnā-shən

Definition of imagination

as in creativity

the ability to form mental images of things that either are not physically present or have never been conceived or created by others a cartoonist needs a fertile imagination in order to create interesting cartoons on demand

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in creativeness

the skill and imagination to create new things she lacks the imagination to be anything but an imitator of other directors' cinematic styles

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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 imagination The success unfolding at Target, Starbucks, and Nike shows that wisdom, humility, hard work, and imagination can payoff when the boards are patient. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026 The team crafted a game with unrelenting waves of imagination, which begins with the setting. — Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026 For me, as a child grappling with loss, my imagination became my escape from a world that was riddled with confusion and injustice. — Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2026 Young kids love to play store, but an imaginary shop in the living room is more than just a fun way for your child to exercise their imagination. — Anna Attkisson Published, Parents, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for imagination

Recent Examples of Synonyms for imagination

Noun

Additionally, neurodivergent team members often bring high levels of creativity, problem-solving skills, and resilience under pressure.

— Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Cole did worry that curators might overemphasize the diagnosis, that King would no longer be an artist but an autistic artist, and therefore a symbol of something—resilience, perhaps, or liberation through creativity.

— Laura Preston, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of creativity

Noun

Her work regularly calls for ingenuity, precision and close collaboration with Property Masters and production teams, whether creating paleo dog food for an actor or an apple pie with no apples.

— Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
This unique spectacle, likely a one-time occurrence, is a testament to American ingenuity.

— Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of ingenuity

Noun

The studio has released seven titles that have won 10 Emmy Awards and two Annie Awards, with voice talent including Glenn Close, Jennifer Hudson, Ethan Hawke, John Legend, Lupita Nyong’o, Daisy Ridley and Oprah Winfrey.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
Everyone from Sabrina Carpenter to Taylor Swift to Barack Obama has honored Parton, calling out her talent, her kindness, and her sense of giving.

— Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of talent

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imaginary

imagination

imaginative

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“Imagination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imagination. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of imagination

noun

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