imagination
noun
imag·i·na·tion
i-ˌma-jə-ˈnā-shən 
1
: the act or power of forming a mental image of something not present to the senses or never before wholly perceived in reality
2
a
: creative ability
b
: ability to confront and deal with a problem : resourcefulness
use your imagination and get us out of here
c
: the thinking or active mind : interest
stories that fired the imagination
3
a
: a creation of the mind
especially
: an idealized or poetic creation
b
: fanciful or empty assumption
Synonyms
Examples of imagination in a Sentence
You can find a solution if you use a little imagination.
The author does not tell us what happens to the characters. We have to use our imagination.
He's a competent writer, but he lacks imagination.
Is it just my imagination, or is it getting warm in here?
Recent Examples on the Web
These creations are a team effort, but many of them originated in the imagination of artistic director Marie-Laure Cérède.
—
Carol Besler, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2024
This is what the future is meant to sound like—all potential and unlimited imagination.
—Jason Parham, WIRED, 27 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for imagination 
Carol Besler, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2024
This is what the future is meant to sound like—all potential and unlimited imagination.
—Jason Parham, WIRED, 27 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for imagination
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'imagination.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near imagination
Cite this Entry
“Imagination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imagination. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
imagination
noun
imag·i·na·tion
im-ˌaj-ə-ˈnā-shən
1
: the act or power of forming a mental picture of something not present and especially of something one has not known or experienced
2
: creative ability
3
: a creation of the mind
Medical Definition
imagination
noun
imag·i·na·tion
im-ˌaj-ə-ˈnā-shən
: an act or process of forming a conscious idea or mental image of something never before wholly perceived in reality by the one forming the images (as through a synthesis of remembered elements of previous sensory experiences or ideas as modified by unconscious defense mechanisms)
also
: the ability or gift of forming such conscious ideas or mental images especially for the purposes of artistic or intellectual creation
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