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

• 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

Then, in February, the 10-day Carnival fills the streets with music, parades, and inventive costumes featuring giant handmade masks that represent fearsome creatures, which scare away winter spirits, or joyful beings celebrating their retreat, dating back to ancient pagan customs. —AFAR Media, 24 Sep. 2025

No one gets hour-long lines without damn good BBQ, no matter how inventive the flavors. —Farhan Mustafa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025

And while the brand has developed a cult following thanks to its inventive jewelry and custom costume designs for pop stars like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Madonna, and Rihanna, this fashion show seemed to signal a new beginning. —Michael Cuby, Them., 23 Sep. 2025

As chaotic and inventive as Vampire Weekend‘s arrangements get over five studio albums, things never feel out of control. —William Earl, Variety, 21 Sep. 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