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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The tank weighing down the back of Kyle Nicolson’s truck holds a mixture of water, nutrients and fertilizer concocted through years of tinkering, first by his grandfather, then his dad, his uncle and his cousins.—
Jonathan Bullington,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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Authorities believe Simko met one of the suspects at a cannabis festival in Ann Arbor, where the suspects reportedly concocted a plan to set up a fake business deal and steal what officials said was upwards of 50 pounds of marijuana.—
Joseph Buczek,
CBS News,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Scientific papers are filled with acronyms — some little more than strings of letters, others carefully constructed to form recognizable words, like GANDALF (Gas AND Absorption Line Fitting) and MIAOW (Minimum Inertia Adaptive Optics Widget).—
Clarissa Brincat,
Big Think,
29 Apr. 2026
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Our everyday lives present unlimited opportunities to construct justice and liberation in our food system and otherwise.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Invent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invent. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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