Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

generative

American  
[jen-er-uh-tiv, -uh-rey-tiv] / ˈdʒɛn ər ə tɪv, -əˌreɪ tɪv /

adjective

  1. capable of producing or creating.

  2. pertaining to the production of offspring.

  3. Linguistics.

    1. of or relating to generative grammar.

    2. using rules to generate surface forms from underlying, abstract forms.


generative British  
/ ˈdʒɛnərətɪv /

adjective

  1. of or relating to the production of offspring, parts, etc

    a generative cell

  2. capable of producing or originating

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of generative

1375–1425; late Middle English < Middle French generatif, Late Latin generātīvus. See generate, -ive

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Jagger said if generative AI has any use, it’s as a confidence booster.

From Salon • Jul. 5, 2026

Netflix is so psyched about generative software that it’s spent the year acquiring an A.I. production studio, launching a different studio for A.I.-animated shorts, and re-creating Gene Wilder’s voice for a Willy Wonka–themed game show.

From Slate • Jul. 2, 2026

Then again, the same focus on generative artificial intelligence that has helped send manufacturers of computer memory equipment soaring has sent shares of a number of software or online-services companies plunging.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 30, 2026

The pharma company, the first to use generative AI to develop a drug that reached clinical trials, is betting longevity treatments will fuel its next phase of growth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 28, 2026

These generative forces make themselves felt through the power of an idea long before their organizational forms can openly challenge the establishment.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "generative" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com