imaginative

adjective

imag·​i·​na·​tive i-'ma-jə-nə-tiv 

i-ˈmaj-nə-tiv;

-ˈma-jə-ˌnā-

1

a

: of, relating to, or characterized by imagination

b

: devoid of truth : false

2

: given to imagining : having a lively imagination

3

: of or relating to images

especially : showing a command of imagery

imaginatively adverb

imaginativeness noun

Synonyms

• clever
• creative
• ingenious
• innovational
• innovative
• innovatory
• inventive
• original
• originative
• Promethean

Examples of imaginative in a Sentence

She wrote an imaginative story about life on the planet Venus.

The restaurant's menu is quite imaginative.

Recent Examples on the Web

His vision of Treehouse Town is brimming with imaginative contraptions, like crow’s nests for viewing, air trams, rope swings, trapdoors and sycamore slides. —Megan Gambino, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Dec. 2024

These imaginative displays bring literature to life, inspiring wonder, creativity, and a sense of adventure for all ages. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 17 Dec. 2024

Her perceptions transform the reality of migration into an imaginative experience of initiation. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 17 Dec. 2024

Archival images extended the imaginative world and conveyed the actual investigation the main character in the film undertakes as revelations are made about the Nickel Academy’s brutal legacy. —Joslyn Barnes, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ymaginatif "employing mental images, curious, inventive," borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French, "of the imagination, having a strong imagination, shrewd," borrowed from Medieval Latin imāginātīvus "of the imagination," from Latin imāginātus, past participle of imāginārī "to imagine" + -īvus -ive

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

imaginative

adjective

imag·​i·​na·​tive im-ˈaj-(ə-)nət-iv 

-ˈaj-ə-ˌnāt-

1

: of, relating to, or showing imagination

2

: having a lively imagination

imaginatively adverb

imaginativeness noun