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
All the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this book are either the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner.
—
Dan Morse, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024
Reading is not only for understanding, but also unlocks new worlds of stories, adventures full of imagination and knowledge for children.
—Plaza De La Raza, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2024
The doc features’ protagonists rebel, moreover, with courage, good humor, imagination, and above all resilience.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 17 Apr. 2024
One image in particular, of a bedroom belonging to teenager Silvia Ragusa, who had covered the walls with all her favorite things really captured my imagination.
—Jermaine Gallacher, Vogue, 12 Apr. 2024
Neptune: Illusion, delusions, spirituality, imagination, idealism, and fantasy.
—Lisa Stardust, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024
Now, Beyoncé told us this album isn’t country, but one of her own imagination.
—Brooklyn White, Essence, 9 Apr. 2024
While other dogs also played similar roles and were paraded for the media, Roger captured the island’s imagination — partly because of his backstory of an initial career failure.
—Chris Lau, CNN, 9 Apr. 2024
In a move that has captured the imagination of skywatchers and travelers alike, Delta Air Lines is setting the stage and offering two special flights that will allow flyers to witness next week's total solar eclipse from the best vantage point possible.
—Manuel Bojorquez, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2024
Dan Morse, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024
Reading is not only for understanding, but also unlocks new worlds of stories, adventures full of imagination and knowledge for children.
—Plaza De La Raza, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2024
The doc features’ protagonists rebel, moreover, with courage, good humor, imagination, and above all resilience.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 17 Apr. 2024
One image in particular, of a bedroom belonging to teenager Silvia Ragusa, who had covered the walls with all her favorite things really captured my imagination.
—Jermaine Gallacher, Vogue, 12 Apr. 2024
Neptune: Illusion, delusions, spirituality, imagination, idealism, and fantasy.
—Lisa Stardust, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024
Now, Beyoncé told us this album isn’t country, but one of her own imagination.
—Brooklyn White, Essence, 9 Apr. 2024
While other dogs also played similar roles and were paraded for the media, Roger captured the island’s imagination — partly because of his backstory of an initial career failure.
—Chris Lau, CNN, 9 Apr. 2024
In a move that has captured the imagination of skywatchers and travelers alike, Delta Air Lines is setting the stage and offering two special flights that will allow flyers to witness next week's total solar eclipse from the best vantage point possible.
—Manuel Bojorquez, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2024
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 24 Apr. 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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