invent

verb

in-ˈvent How to pronounce invent (audio)
Definition of inventnext
as in to devise
to create or think of by clever use of the imagination they invented an explanation for the broken vase that would satisfy their grandmother

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 invent Having never been exposed to pictures, the children invented their own visual vocabulary. — Rachel Aviv, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 Although Adolph Sax invented the saxophone in the mid-1800s as a classical instrument, most people associate it with jazz. — Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026 Whether inventing the Bong-a-Tron or freeing themselves after hours trapped inside a Party City parking lot, these misadventures almost always hinge on weed. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026 If that day comes, Blackwell expects Usha to follow Barbara Bush’s playbook rather than invent her own. — Kate Andersen Brower, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for invent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invent
  1. devise
  2. concoct
  3. construct
Verb
  • David Lowery One of America’s most original directors returned this year with this underrated movie following an aging pop diva (Anne Hathaway) who reunites with her former costume designer (Michaela Coel) to devise a look for her comeback.
    — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2026
  • But state and local planners devised a way to answer commuter’s growing concerns by converting Independence into a freeway.
    — DJ Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of devise
Verb
  • The removal of Maelor, however, snowballed into this moment where that character’s absence didn’t allow for that horrific book moment to be realized, so another set of reasons was concocted.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Like, for instance, Loughlin, who paid Singer $500,000 to concoct fake row team credentials — and even stage phony rowing photos — to get her two daughters into USC.
    — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of concoct
Verb
  • Anna’s sheer lace dress with a huge keyhole in the front and an open back is fine but also like a million other dresses; the same goes for Jude’s nicely constructed, but very familiar, black velvet dress with a corset.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Because welding required higher amounts of power, the manufacturers at Auto Union AG could only construct their vehicles at night in order to reduce strain on surrounding electrical grids.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of construct

Browse Nearby Words

inveigling
invent
invented
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Cite this Entry

“Invent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invent. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of invent for Spanish Speakers

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