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 of inventive

• innovative
• imaginative
• creative
• clever

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

Those constraints helped inspire an inventive restaurant influenced by the Philippines, where David is from. — Michelle Polizzi, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026

The film ties these events into larger concerns surrounding freedom of the press and some inventive government conspiracies. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026

One of its most inventive features was the rolleron, a small toothed wheel mounted on each rear fin. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026

Giuliano’s inventive approach to the mayhem is such that even a mid-credits scene that opens the door to more sequels feels fresh. — Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

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