1
as in innovative
showing a noteworthy use of the imagination and creativity especially in inventing
inventive electronic games inventive ways to use leftovers
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in creative
having the skill and imagination to create new things
an inventive youth, he devised an automatic feeding system for his dog
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in creativity
the ability to form mental images of things that either are not physically present or have never been conceived or created by others
the artist's fertile inventiveness allows her to put on canvas landscapes that have never been trod by mortal feet
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in creativeness
the skill and imagination to create new things
the contention that, in order to prosper, cities must attract young, well-educated people of great inventiveness in both the arts and high technology
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inventive
Big Think, 3 Nov. 2025
Since its founding in 2013, A24 has gradually built up a reputation for highly inventive genre films, particularly those of the horror variety.
—Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025
Liz Regalia, Parents, 28 Oct. 2025
Bennett is a writer of great linguistic inventiveness; her previous books, the short-story collection Pond and the novel Checkout 19, use surprising wordplay to evoke their narrators’ unique ways of interacting with the world.
—Rhian Sasseen, The Atlantic, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inventive
Adjective
There was nothing profoundly inventive about him.
—Big Think, 3 Nov. 2025
Since its founding in 2013, A24 has gradually built up a reputation for highly inventive genre films, particularly those of the horror variety.
—Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
For example, they were asked to find a creative use for an everyday object, then their responses were ranked on inventiveness.
—Liz Regalia, Parents, 28 Oct. 2025
Bennett is a writer of great linguistic inventiveness; her previous books, the short-story collection Pond and the novel Checkout 19, use surprising wordplay to evoke their narrators’ unique ways of interacting with the world.
—Rhian Sasseen, The Atlantic, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inventive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inventive
Adjective
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Brazil is set to introduce an ambitious and innovative new system for financing forest protection (more on that below) and Lula comes into COP30 with an impressive record of successful forest protection.—
Jeff Young,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The night celebrated innovative global environmental solutions.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Rich Little Brokegirls founder Kimberly Bizu sat down with creator and corporate strategist Jodie Taylor, discussing what women of color navigating corporate spaces and creative careers need to know.—
Essence,
Essence,
7 Nov. 2025
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Anyone vaguely near the aesthetic gets christened it by fans, including Bassvictim, who were always funnier and more creative than the other modern electroclash revivalists.—
Kieran Press-Reynolds,
Pitchfork,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Because of the skills that neurodiverse individuals can bring to the workplace — hyperfocus, creativity, empathy and niche expertise, just to name a few — some research suggests that organizations prioritizing inclusivity in this space generate nearly one-fifth higher revenue.—
Rachel Curry,
CNBC,
8 Nov. 2025
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Recent scientific studies have found that horticultural therapy promotes creativity, self-esteem, social interaction and sensory stimulation.—
The San Diego Union Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Soccer Sidekicks’ Spot the Ball stands out for its imaginative approach to instruction.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
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His imaginative storytelling techniques, well known to readers of his previous books Will in the World and The Swerve, often threaten to push him into the realm of historical fiction.—
Isaac Butler,
The Atlantic,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
For nearly half a century, the Hollywood Bowl has been the stage where John’s imagination meets the hearts of millions.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Nov. 2025
-
My daughter’s imagination inspires me.—
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal,
Parents,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Conquering the world – or the World Series, anyway – takes concentration, ingenuity and, yes, a whole lot of money.—
Tyler Kepner,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Clients hired Adjaye’s outfit not only for its technical expertise and ingenuity but also for the leader’s aesthetic and stature.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
A lot of clever stuff goes into this.—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
7 Nov. 2025
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This clever coffee table’s top lifts smoothly and locks into place to create a dining area or workspace.—
Shea Simmons,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Penn State saw numerous talented players walk through its doors with Franklin at the helm, with many of them going on to excel in the NFL.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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Most recently, the Eagles were able to part ways Tuesday with a 2026 third-rounder to acquire Dolphins edge Jaelan Phillips — a talented but injured pass rusher coming off back-to-back season-ending injuries (Achilles and ACL).—
Colton Pouncy,
New York Times,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inventive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inventive. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.
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