Invent
Invent verb - To create or think of by clever use of the imagination.
Usage example: they invented an explanation for the broken vase that would satisfy their grandmother
Make up is a synonym for invent in action topic. In some cases you can use "Make up" instead a verb "Invent", when it comes to topics like origin, make, contrive, coin. popular alternative
Make up
Make up verb - To create or think of by clever use of the imagination.
Usage example: she keeps making up excuses as to why she hasn't yet finished the project
Mutual synonyms
Cite this Source
Make up and Invent. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/invent/make_up
Invent & Make up. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/invent/make_up>.
Make up or Invent. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/invent/make_up.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "invent" and "make up" have occurred on timeline