imagination

noun

i-ˌma-jə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce imagination (audio)
Definition of imaginationnext
1
as in creativity
the ability to form mental images of things that either are not physically present or have never been conceived or created by others a cartoonist needs a fertile imagination in order to create interesting cartoons on demand

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2
as in creativeness
the skill and imagination to create new things she lacks the imagination to be anything but an imitator of other directors' cinematic styles

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of imagination Musically, Ethan possess a deeply expressive voice that transcends technique, exploring a variety of styles with imagination and emotional depth. — Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025 But like the overall tour itself, imagination was an essential part of the experience. — Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Mar. 2025 To create tension, a lot of the movie is just Indy tilting his head in curiosity while looking into the distance, immediately followed by a shot of empty space, which lets the imagination go wild. — Rafael Motamayor, IndieWire, 10 Mar. 2025 Jason Isaacs isn’t leaving anything to the imagination. — Liza Esquibias, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for imagination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imagination
  1. creativity
  2. ingenuity
  3. talent
Noun
  • Appreciation: Recognize the complementary strengths of human creativity and AI efficiency.
    — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Engaging in a passion outside of work offers opportunities for creativity, relaxation and personal fulfillment.
    — Judy E Davidson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of creativity
Noun
  • These eight restaurants blend tradition and ingenuity. February 27, 2025 Who serves the most delicious gumbo in New Orleans?
    — Edmund Tijerina, Bon Appétit, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Baby animals will face death in its myriad unpredictable forms only to be protected by their devoted parents (mothers 80 percent of the time) or their own innate and recognizably anthropomorphized ingenuity.
    — Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Feb. 2025
Definition of ingenuity
Noun
  • The Sweden international’s talent has never been in question but those who have worked with the Newcastle striker describe a unique, complex personality — someone who is ridiculously driven, yet can be laid-back and withdrawn, all at once.
    — Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Aaron Rodgers has a controversial personality, but from a talent perspective at least, would be a good mentor for a young quarterback.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of talent

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Cite this Entry

“Imagination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imagination. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on imagination

Nglish: Translation of imagination for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about imagination

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