1
as in inventive
having the skill and imagination to create new things
an imaginative child who is always writing short stories about her pet cat
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2
as in innovative
showing a noteworthy use of the imagination and creativity especially in inventing
found an imaginative gadget that can grind the beans and heat the water to brew coffee
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Recent Examples of imaginative
They are often associated with imaginative thinking and a willingness to explore novel ideas.
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Melinda Elmborg, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
The poet and scholar, who died Monday at 81, was a gifted chronicler of the wonders and complexity of Black life—a talent buoyed by her warm, imaginative approach to both art and social change.
—Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 11 Dec. 2024
Yet that doesn’t detract from the imaginative force required just to frame the question.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 3 Dec. 2024
The setup risks absurdity—the cast (which includes Nathan) essentially wears gorilla suits—but the premise is developed with meticulous and quasi-biological specificity, anthropological rigor, and imaginative speculation about the creatures’ emotions and senses of selfhood.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for imaginative 
Melinda Elmborg, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
The poet and scholar, who died Monday at 81, was a gifted chronicler of the wonders and complexity of Black life—a talent buoyed by her warm, imaginative approach to both art and social change.
—Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 11 Dec. 2024
Yet that doesn’t detract from the imaginative force required just to frame the question.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 3 Dec. 2024
The setup risks absurdity—the cast (which includes Nathan) essentially wears gorilla suits—but the premise is developed with meticulous and quasi-biological specificity, anthropological rigor, and imaginative speculation about the creatures’ emotions and senses of selfhood.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for imaginative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imaginative
Adjective
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From the sushi bar find sashimi, oysters and inventive maki such as unagi with mascarpone or the classic honey walnut shrimp as a tempura roll.Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024
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Winner of the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand Award (good meals under $49), this is where the in crowd goes for inventive dishes created by famed owner Marcus Samuelsson and Kenneth Gilbert, VP of culinary operations.Essence, Essence, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Kohl’s does have some things going for it, including its value proposition and innovative shopping incentives, such as the Kohl’s Cash program.David Moin, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024
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This analysis of an innovative proposition is part of my ongoing Forbes column coverage on the latest in AI including identifying and explaining various impactful AI complexities (see the link here).Lance Eliot, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Until one label — Darkroom Records, the home of Billie Eilish — got creative.Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 14 Dec. 2024
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The dynamic rushing attack, which uses misdirection and some of the more creative play designs in college football, has led Army to its most successful season in years – including its first conference championship in school history.Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The deadlock was finally broken just before half-time as a clever pass from Yildiz found Vlahovic, who controlled it on the turn and slotted it between the ‘keeper’s legs.Adam Digby, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
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For port days, there are shore excursions that cater to families, and the rooms have several clever arrangements like a bunk that comes out of the ceiling.Esther Carlstone, Parents, 18 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Imaginative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imaginative. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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