Synonyms for

Inventive

Verb / ˌɪˈnventɪv / Another word for inventive — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

having the ability to create or design new things or to think originally

Synonyms & similar words

imaginative creative imaginative original resourceful clever innovative ingenious artistic visionary inspired talented productive prolific enterprising experimental unconventional individualistic futuristic advanced developing

Synonyms by register

Formal

ingenious innovative creative resourceful

Informal

clever original shrewd quick-witted

Literary

inspired visionary inspired

Antonyms

unoriginal unimaginative derivative conventional commonplace uninspired hackneyed

Common collocations

  • inventive mind
  • inventive spirit
  • inventive solution
  • inventive approach
  • highly inventive
  • remarkably inventive
  • truly inventive

Word family

noun invention
verb invent
adjective inventive
adverb inventively

Usage note

Inventive describes someone or something that is good at creating new ideas or things. It generally carries a positive connotation of originality and cleverness.

Example sentences

  1. The artist was very inventive with her use of colors.
  2. The scientist was very inventive with his experiments.
  3. The chef was very inventive with her new recipe.
  4. The author was very inventive with her story plot.
  5. The teacher was very inventive with her lesson plans.

Quotes

  • Invention is the most important product of man's creative brain. The ultimate purpose is the complete mastery of mind over the material world, the harnessing of human nature to human needs. - Nikola Tesla
  • Invention, my dear friends, is 93% perspiration, 6% electricity, 4% evaporation, and 2% butterscotch ripple. - Willy Wonka
  • Invention is the mother of necessity. - Thorstein Veblen

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