as in to devise
to create or think of by clever use of the imagination
they invented an explanation for the broken vase that would satisfy their grandmother
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Recent Examples of invent
Americans, or more specifically Californians, probably invented the genre but nowadays vastly prefer hot pickup trucks.
—
New Atlas, 9 Feb. 2026
Teachers are not inventing problems.
—Lance Walters, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2026
Elon Musk and Sam Altman claimed to mistrust Hassabis, who seemed likelier than anyone to invent a machine of unlimited flexibility—perhaps the most potent technology in history.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
It was invented by a Swedish neurosurgeon, Hans von Holst, who spent a considerable amount of time researching head and neck injuries.
—Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for invent
New Atlas, 9 Feb. 2026
Teachers are not inventing problems.
—Lance Walters, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2026
Elon Musk and Sam Altman claimed to mistrust Hassabis, who seemed likelier than anyone to invent a machine of unlimited flexibility—perhaps the most potent technology in history.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
It was invented by a Swedish neurosurgeon, Hans von Holst, who spent a considerable amount of time researching head and neck injuries.
—Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for invent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invent
Verb
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The firm specializes in new construction projects, working closely with the architect and contractors to devise a cohesive, timeless design.—
Elizabeth Stamp,
Architectural Digest,
10 Feb. 2026
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The models can also devise fake documents, like passports, Lestrange said.—
Ayana Archie,
NPR,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Paul Simon, who was headed to retirement amid debilitating hearing loss, has concocted a helpful new stage monitor setup that has him back on the road.—
BRIAN MCCOLLUM,
Freep.com,
4 Feb. 2026
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Galen concocted medicines that seem strange to modern ears, such as treating ailments like inflammation with feces sprinkled with thyme to mask the odor.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The heels were constructed from a lustrous satin material on the upper and featured a pointed toe design.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
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Bonds are used to fund brick-and-mortar projects, which include constructing, equipping, maintaining and furnishing district facilities.—
Kendrick Calfee
February 11,
Kansas City Star,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Invent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invent. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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