Synonyms for invent
Synonyms by meaning
Verb
1. Contrive
contrive, create, devise, discover, concoct, make, forge, produce, find, form, forme US, construct, formulate, originate, find out, imagine, coin, design, plan, engender, strike out, fable, frame
3. Manufacture — to create something fictional for a particular purpose
Definitions
- v. 1
To create something fictional for a particular purpose.
I knew I had to invent an excuse, and quickly.
- v. 2
To design a new process or mechanism.
After weeks of hard work, I invented a new way to alphabetize matchbooks.
Forms
- Past participle
- invented
e.g. invented → contrived, created, devised, discovered…
Choose the right word
We discover what has existed but has not been known to us; we invent combinations or arrangements not before in use; Columbus discovered America; Morse invented the electric telegraph.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- create New GATT resolutions could create a real shake-up.
- discover How foolish I was not to discover that simple lie!
- devise He tried to devise a plan for getting rid of termites.
- contrive He doesn’t know what causes it, but just wait. He’ll contrive an explanation.
- conceive It is not possible to conceive without perceiving.
- innovate Tom doesn't innovate, but he does make good movies.
By length
- 4 letters
- make1, find1, form1, plan1, spin1, coin1, vamp1
- 5 letters
- frame1, forge1, fable2, forme
- 6 letters
- design2, create2, devise2, fangle2
- 7 letters
- imagine3, produce2, concoct2
- 8 letters
- discover3, conceive2, innovate3, engender3, contrive2
- 9 letters
- construct2, originate4, formulate3, fabricate3
- 11 letters
- manufacture4
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (fable2 = 2 syllables).