imaginative

adjective

imag·​i·​na·​tive i-'ma-jə-nə-tiv How to pronounce imaginative (audio)
i-ˈmaj-nə-tiv;
-ˈma-jə-ˌnā-
Synonyms of imaginativenext
1
a
: of, relating to, or characterized by imagination
b
: devoid of truth : false
2
: given to imagining : having a lively imagination
3
: of or relating to images
especially : showing a command of imagery
imaginatively adverb
imaginativeness noun

Synonyms

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Examples of imaginative in a Sentence

She wrote an imaginative story about life on the planet Venus. The restaurant's menu is quite imaginative.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Created by Australian writer-director Joe Brumm, the Emmy-winning series follows imaginative 6-year-old Blue Heeler puppy Bluey, younger sister Bingo and parents Bandit and Chilli. — Leena Tailor, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2025 With determination and resilience, Edwin has overcome obstacles to discover his voice in stop-motion animation, creating imaginative worlds and characters with meticulous attention to detail. — Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025 Maybe the answer to Barbara’s vanishing was hidden inside her imaginative tales. — Patti Callahan Henry, People.com, 16 Mar. 2025 The estate’s herb gardens provide the foundation for many dishes, and wild plants found across the sprawling grounds make their way onto plates in ways that are both imaginative and deeply rooted in tradition. — Paul Caputo, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for imaginative

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ymaginatif "employing mental images, curious, inventive," borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French, "of the imagination, having a strong imagination, shrewd," borrowed from Medieval Latin imāginātīvus "of the imagination," from Latin imāginātus, past participle of imāginārī "to imagine" + -īvus -ive

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of imaginative was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Imaginative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imaginative. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

imaginative

adjective
imag·​i·​na·​tive im-ˈaj-(ə-)nət-iv How to pronounce imaginative (audio)
-ˈaj-ə-ˌnāt-
1
: of, relating to, or showing imagination
2
: having a lively imagination
imaginatively adverb
imaginativeness noun

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