imaginative

adjective

imag·​i·​na·​tive i-'ma-jə-nə-tiv How to pronounce imaginative (audio)
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

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
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.
Her perceptions transform the reality of migration into an imaginative experience of initiation. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 16 Jan. 2025 Chip advises organizations on innovative service—delivering experiences that are value-unique, not just value-added; imaginative, not just generous. Chip Bell, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 The tune is a beautiful waltz that encompasses much of Jim’s aesthetics: a wonderful composition, imaginative and conversational improvisation, amazing sound. Giovanni Russonello, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025 Casting some of his Python buddies (Michael Palin, John Cleese) and legends like Sean Connery, Ian Holm, David Warner, and many more, Time Bandits is an imaginative fairy tale about a boy who travels through time with a group of rowdy thieves. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for imaginative 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of imaginative was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near imaginative

Cite this Entry

“Imaginative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imaginative. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

imaginative

adjective
imag·​i·​na·​tive im-ˈaj-(ə-)nət-iv How to pronounce imaginative (audio)
-ˈaj-ə-ˌnāt-
1
: of, relating to, or showing imagination
2
: having a lively imagination
imaginatively adverb
imaginativeness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on imaginative

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