Invention is a noun for something new that has been created, especially a device or method. It can also mean the act of inventingthe process of thinking up and making a completely new thing, or something imaginedseen only in the mind; not actually existing in physical form in the mind rather than physicallyin a way connected with the body or material objects, not ideas made.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-24. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ɪnˈvɛnʃən/
Easy pronunciation: in-VEN-shun (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the second syllable: VEN.
Primary sense: a new creation, especially a device or process resulting from study and experimentation.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-24. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Invention Meaning
something new that has been made or developed
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a creation, especially a new device or process, that results from study and experimentation
Example: The light bulb was an important invention.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- innovation — A close synonym for a new device, method, or improvement.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-24. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Invention
Meaning 2
something imagined or mentally created
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the creation of something in the mind
Example: The story was partly a work of invention.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- conception — Fits the idea of forming something in the mind.
- design — Can work when it means a mental plan or shaping of an idea, but it is broader and often refers to a plan or layout.
Meaning 3
the act of creating something new
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the act of inventing
Example: Her invention of a new test made the process faster.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-24. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Invention Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- innovation
the creation of something in the mind
- conception
- design
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-24. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- People sometimes confuse invention with innovation. Innovation usually means a new idea, method, or improvement; invention more often means the thing created or the act of creating it.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-24. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does invention mean?
Invention usually means a new thing that has been created, especially a device or process. It can also mean the act of inventing or something imagined in the mind.
What are the synonyms of invention?
For the main sense, a strong synonym is innovation. For the mental-creation sense, conception and sometimes design can work, depending on context.
Is invention the same as innovation?
Not exactly. Invention usually refers to the new thing itself or the act of creating it. Innovation more often means a new idea, method, or improvement, especially one put into use.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-24. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.