invent
verb (used with object)
to originate or create as a product of one's own ingenuity, experimentation, or contrivance.
had invented
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past perfectof invent.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Trokhan had invented the microregions in P&G’s Bounty paper towels that put the soft parts in close proximity to the strong parts, and Sivik the cleaning polymer technology that helps Dawn dish soap remove oil.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026
Olson said he is now more inclined to double-check AI output after learning Gemini had invented the entire exchange.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 14, 2026
David Sherborne, barrister for the claimants, suggested Griffiths had "invented" the story about Princess Catherine's pregnancy, and it was an example of her "making up" connections with the Royal Family.
From BBC ● Mar. 10, 2026
His law firm had invented “Mass Torts Made Perfect” and ran it as a conference for elite plaintiffs’ attorneys nationwide to rub elbows and strategize, making him the unofficial president of the polo club posse.
From Slate ● Jan. 13, 2026
Though he was not in danger of being enslaved in France, he suffered through a series of conflicts with others who claimed they had invented his process.
From "Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom, and Science" by Marc Aronson
