1
as in innovation
something (as a device) created for the first time through the use of the imagination
his clever invention made people's lives easier
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2
as in fiction
something that is the product of the imagination
unsurprisingly, the story about being kidnapped by aliens was pure invention
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3
as in imagination
the ability to form mental images of things that either are not physically present or have never been conceived or created by others
a writer with great invention, she is able to create on the page worlds that don't exist but certainly seem like they could
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4
as in creativity
the skill and imagination to create new things
a person of seemingly endless invention, Thomas Edison held a world-record 1,093 patents
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of invention
One of the most powerful inventions of the 20th century is also an object that no one ever wants a reason to use.
—
Sheila McClear, The Atlantic, 16 Jan. 2025
How to use monoculars for stargazing Several people have been credited with the invention of the monocular.
—Matt Morris, Space.com, 16 Jan. 2025
But during the 1990s, cities slashed funding for collecting rape evidence, and literal mold grew on Goddard’s invention, with hundreds of thousands of untested kits piling up.
—Cindi Leive, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2025
Using a steam engine to turn a large propeller, his invention lifted off from the Paris Hippodrome and flew through the air for roughly 20 miles, per Encyclopedia Britannica.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for invention 
Sheila McClear, The Atlantic, 16 Jan. 2025
How to use monoculars for stargazing Several people have been credited with the invention of the monocular.
—Matt Morris, Space.com, 16 Jan. 2025
But during the 1990s, cities slashed funding for collecting rape evidence, and literal mold grew on Goddard’s invention, with hundreds of thousands of untested kits piling up.
—Cindi Leive, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2025
Using a steam engine to turn a large propeller, his invention lifted off from the Paris Hippodrome and flew through the air for roughly 20 miles, per Encyclopedia Britannica.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for invention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invention
Noun
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This innovation, along with the Photonic-Bump, enables unique passive alignment protocols, using standard semiconductor tools that reduce costs and increase scalability.—
Kyle J. Russell,
USA TODAY,
25 Jan. 2025
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Wealth, innovation, growth, and power aren’t conjured by words.—
Matthew Continetti,
National Review,
25 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The film, which stars Dern, Justin Theroux, and Jeremy Irons, is another meditation on Hollywood, blurring the lines between layers of fiction and dizzyingly captured with a digital camcorder.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
16 Jan. 2025
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This read will especially appeal to those who have an affinity for historical fiction authors like Vanessa Riley (Island Queen, Queen of Exiles), Piper Hughley (By Her Own Design, American Daughters), and Victoria Christopher Murray (The First Ladies, The Personal Librarian).—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Essence,
15 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Fun fact: Snuffleupagus was a figment of Big Bird's imagination until 1985.1 Cookie Monster Cookie Monster, the bright blue, furry monster, is the ultimate cookie lover.—
Casey Clark,
Parents,
16 Jan. 2025
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Few doubted the power of his vision and imagination, though naysayers questioned his logical thread.—
Stephen Galloway,
The Hollywood Reporter,
16 Jan. 2025
Noun
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This pact signifies a shared commitment to fostering Canadian creativity, telling stories from different perspectives, and delivering impactful storytelling to audiences.—
Etan Vlessing,
The Hollywood Reporter,
27 Jan. 2025
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But this nod to his daughters’ creativity and their close relationship is refreshing to see from a dad of daughters.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
27 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Per old wives’ tales, nesting is a phenomenon that happens near the end of gestation: a maternal instinct to prepare for birth.—
Betty Liu,
Bon Appétit,
20 Jan. 2025
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This incident serves as a cautionary tale for companies deploying AI in their communications.—
Rebekah Bastian,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Unfortunately, in trying to match your CV to a particular job spec, many of these ‘enhancements’ end up being a bit of stretch at best, and complete fabrications at worst.—
Amanda Kavanagh | This Column was created by Jobbio,
The Hill,
17 Jan. 2025
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With the goal of bombarding U.S. voters with falsehoods and fake news in order to sway the election, these foreign operatives worked to spread inconceivable fabrications—and succeeded.—
Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell,
Newsweek,
15 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The journey toward a sustainable future for publishers involves reinvigorating purpose, regaining control over distribution and data and judiciously integrating AI to amplify human ingenuity.—
Dan Gardner,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
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What Is Brunswick Stew? Like many iconic Southern dishes, Brunswick stew was likely born of out ingenuity and need.—
Craig Ruff,
Southern Living,
19 Jan. 2025
Noun
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While the show follows the Howey novels fairly closely, things develop differently; genders are flipped, and deaths happen in different ways.—
Barry Levitt,
TIME,
17 Jan. 2025
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In the Shift novel, a freshman Congressman from Georgia, Donald Keene, figures prominently.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
17 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near invention
Cite this Entry
“Invention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invention. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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