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

In this haunting and visually inventive documentary, a spectral voice drifts through time and memory to trace the Maidan revolution and the roots of resistance in Ukraine. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026

Elliott and Timbaland formed arguably the greatest rapper-producer tandem in history, churning out a string of classic singles and albums, each more inventive and exciting than the last. —New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026

At the poolside restaurant, Naiboli, guests can graze on nachos, tapas, gourmet bespoke canapés, and inventive cocktails. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026

Sides, all inventive, include elote or cilantro rice along with the typical coleslaw, potato salad and beans. —Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 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