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Synonyms

imaginative

American  
[ih-maj-uh-nuh-tiv, -ney-tiv] / ɪˈmædʒ ə nə tɪv, -ˌneɪ tɪv /

adjective

  1. characterized by or bearing evidence of imagination.

    an imaginative tale.

    Synonyms:
    ingenious, clever, inventive, creative
  2. of, relating to, or concerned with imagination.

  3. given to imagining, as persons.

  4. having exceptional powers of imagination.

  5. lacking truth; fanciful.


imaginative British  
/ ɪˈmædʒɪnətɪv /

adjective

  1. produced by or indicative of a vivid or creative imagination

    an imaginative story

  2. having a vivid imagination

"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

  • imaginatively adverb
  • imaginativeness noun
  • overimaginative adjective
  • overimaginatively adverb
  • overimaginativeness noun
  • unimaginative adjective
  • unimaginatively adverb

Etymology

Origin of imaginative

1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin imāginātīvus imaginary, imaginative, equivalent to Latin imāgināt ( us ) imagined ( imagination ) + -īvus -ive; replacing Middle English imaginatif < Middle French < Medieval Latin, as above

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.

Though imaginative and unique, Man Ray—a brilliant tactician—was rarely entirely original.

From The Wall Street Journal

It lies within the faint but imaginative constellation Monoceros, which represents a unicorn in star maps.

From Science Daily

Together they symbolized a simpler, more imaginative world.

From Los Angeles Times

But his thoughtful undertaking, and his imaginative synthesis of anecdote with history, lived religion with theology, always located in the particular, offers a fresh look at some unchanging human concerns.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mr. Hnath is one of the most fiercely imaginative American playwrights at work today.

From The Wall Street Journal