inventive

1 of 2

adjective

in·​ven·​tive in-ˈven-tiv How to pronounce inventive (audio)
Synonyms of inventivenext
1
: adept or prolific at producing inventions : creative
an inventive mind
2
: characterized by invention
an inventive method
inventively adverb
inventiveness noun

inventiveness

2 of 2

noun

in·​ven·​tive·​ness
-tivnə̇s, 
-tēv- also -təv-
plural -es
: the quality or state of being inventive : ingenuity, creativity

Synonyms of inventive

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Adjective

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Examples of inventive in a Sentence

Adjective They have given their new company an inventive name. inventive ways to use leftovers
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
His inventive playing and instinctive approach to improvisation guaranteed an electric performance. — Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 If American music in 1976 represented a collective, inquisitive, inventive American spirit of discovery, the semiquincentennial in the age of social media has become more about the individual identity. — Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 Using premium ingredients and modern cooking techniques, the team serves up classic BBQ staples alongside inventive takes on fan-favorite dishes. — Rs Editors, Rolling Stone, 2 July 2026 Neon wisely positioned itself as the exact right home for that enthusiasm with an inventive promotional tour that included, among other stops, a free gas giveaway. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inventive

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inventive was in the 15th century

Rhymes for inventive

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inventive
inventiveness
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Cite this Entry

“Inventive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inventive. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inventive

adjective
in·​ven·​tive in-ˈvent-iv How to pronounce inventive (audio)
: gifted with the skill and imagination to invent
inventively adverb
inventiveness noun

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