as in to devise
to create or think of by clever use of the imagination
they invented an explanation for the broken vase that would satisfy their grandmother
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Recent Examples of invent
In a 2019 episode of American Dad, a storyline humorously depicts a character claiming to have invented the high five before Dusty Baker is shown taking credit, turning the historical debate into satire.
—
Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026
Previously a Chinese court official named Cai Lun had traditionally received credit for inventing paper—about 105 ce.
—Urnesha Bhattacherjee, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026
Although mezcal has been embraced by the drinking public much more since the Cobra Clutch was invented more than a decade ago, this cocktail isn’t improved by getting rid of the tequila in favor of its smokier cousin.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2026
Corradi Di Marco invented it, possibly as early as 1981, and trademarked it in 2001.
—The Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for invent
Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026
Previously a Chinese court official named Cai Lun had traditionally received credit for inventing paper—about 105 ce.
—Urnesha Bhattacherjee, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026
Although mezcal has been embraced by the drinking public much more since the Cobra Clutch was invented more than a decade ago, this cocktail isn’t improved by getting rid of the tequila in favor of its smokier cousin.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2026
Corradi Di Marco invented it, possibly as early as 1981, and trademarked it in 2001.
—The Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for invent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invent
Verb
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For instance, in 2020, Hendon’s lab helped devise a mathematical model for brewing the perfect cup of espresso, over and over, while minimizing waste.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
28 Apr. 2026
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The Oak Park community united earlier this month to devise a plan to address public health in the absence of the hospital.—
Cam'ron Hardy,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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For decades, astronomers have concocted intricate computer models to predict how stars live and die.—
Paul Sutter,
Space.com,
3 May 2026
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Just how defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will concoct and deploy that approach, of course, will be a work in progress.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Nguyen and Akhavan also worked with architects and engineers to make the necessary alternations to Canada’s permanent building in the Giardini, while protecting the tree that it is constructed around.—
Harrison Jacobs,
ARTnews.com,
6 May 2026
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Large infrastructure projects like this one are complex — a two-mile bridge can’t be designed or constructed overnight.—
Katie Thomson,
Baltimore Sun,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Invent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invent. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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