inventive

adjective

in·​ven·​tive in-ˈven-tiv 

1

: adept or prolific at producing inventions : creative

an inventive mind

2

: characterized by invention

an inventive method

inventively adverb

inventiveness noun

Synonyms

• artful
• clever
• creative
• imaginative
• ingenious
• innovative

Examples of inventive in a Sentence

They have given their new company an inventive name.

inventive ways to use leftovers

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the course of his three decade-spanning career from the 1950s through 1980s, Krause has designed sets for over 180 productions, earning acclaim for his inventive and elegant visual style. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2025

Menus now feature more inventive options designed to surprise. —Rachel King, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025

Loewe may be entering a new chapter, but the house’s commitment to supporting the work of the world’s most accomplished and inventive craftspeople isn’t showing any signs of wavering. —Liam Hess, Vogue, 11 Apr. 2025

The whole place had a whiff of Willy Wonka about it: joyful, upbeat, inventive and, well, caffeinated. —Jonathan Thompson, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for inventive

• agentive
• attentive
• incentive
• preventive
• retentive
• disincentive
• inattentive

Kids Definition

inventive

adjective

in·​ven·​tive in-ˈvent-iv 

: gifted with the skill and imagination to invent

inventively adverb

inventiveness noun