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 Reilly works at the intersection of props and food, creating inventive and often unconventional culinary elements for the screen. — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026 The opening menu is set to feature various inventive dishes, such as Spicy Tuna Dip (made with sesame and avocado served with nori tapioca chips) and Heritage Half Chicken (served with sansho pepper, pickled daikon and a shiso return). — Hannah Hudnall, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 Those scares are best exemplified by the film’s most inventive setpiece, where Gemma gets lost in an endless pillow fort filled with baddies around every corner. — William Earl, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026 Texas barbecue is typically defined by salt-and-pepper brisket and pork ribs, but this new crop of halal pitmasters are adding inventive twists, often based on their own family heritages. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inventive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inventive
  1. innovative
  2. creative
  3. imaginative
  4. talented
  5. clever
Adjective
  • This is why counting AI pilots tells us little about whether an organization is becoming more innovative.
    — Jeff DeGraff, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Her work brings together fashion, technology and industrial application, with a particular focus on more responsible and innovative approaches to garment finishing.
    — Alice Tonello, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of innovative
Adjective
  • Adding to the resort’s already extensive list of experiences—ranging from creative expression, fitness, and integrative wellbeing to outdoor adventure, yoga, and nourishment—are several new offerings.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The illusion of molten steel was basically water and mineral oil mixed with a little powdered sugar; creative lighting and heaters placed below the cameras—plus a few CGI sparks in the background—did the rest.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of creative
Adjective
  • The whole business of poetry, the line breaks and stanzas, puts emphasis on imaginative edits and collaging.
    — Amitava Kumar, New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Each new spot is an imaginative wonderland and will captivate the attentions of little ones, and parents.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of imaginative
Adjective
  • The nearby Park Hill high schools themselves have produced a number of talented players.
    — PJ Green August 27, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026
  • My father was a coal miner and a talented musician who would later perform in several local bluegrass bands.
    — Michael Collins, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of talented
Adjective
  • The midfielder is a clever front-foot defender, capable of an early tackle or interception to halt opposition momentum.
    — Carl Anka, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Allowing commercial director Joe Pytka to continue that work in a feature film that saw Jordan playing basketball alongside the Looney Tunes characters was a clever extension of the campaign.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of clever

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Cite this Entry

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

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