innovation
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for innovation, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act of creating or introducing something new.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
excogitation
Antonyms
How to use innovation
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
technological innovation
drive innovation
a breakthrough innovation
Etymology
From Latin innovatio, from innovare, "to renew."
Full origin of innovation →Frequently asked questions
What does “innovation” mean?
The word “innovation” means the act of creating or introducing something new. In plain terms, a new idea or way of doing things, or the process of creating one.
How do you pronounce “innovation”?
“Innovation” is pronounced ihn-uh-VAY-shuhn (/ˌɪn.əˈveɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “innovation” in a sentence?
Here is “innovation” used in a sentence: “The department is entirely focused on innovation.”
What is the opposite of “innovation”?
The opposite of “innovation” — its antonyms — is exnovation.
What part of speech is “innovation”?
“Innovation” is a noun.
Where does the word “innovation” come from?
The word “innovation” comes from Latin. From Latin innovatio, from innovare, "to renew.".
Is “innovation” a common word?
“Innovation” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “innovation” have?
“Innovation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of creating or introducing something new.
What is the difference between "innovation" and "invention"?
An invention is a brand-new device, process, or idea created for the first time, while innovation is the act of introducing something new, which can include improving or applying an existing invention in a fresh way. In short, invention creates something, and innovation puts new ideas into practice.
What is the difference between "innovation" and "creativity"?
Creativity is the ability to come up with new ideas, whereas innovation is the process of turning those ideas into something useful and real. You can be creative without innovating, but innovation depends on creativity as its starting point.
Is "innovation" countable or uncountable?
"Innovation" works both ways: it is uncountable when it means the general act of introducing new things ("a culture of innovation"), and countable when it means a specific new idea or method ("a major innovation in medicine"). The intended sense determines whether you say "an innovation" or "innovations."
