create
verb (transitive)
UK/kriːˈeɪt/US/kriˈeɪt/
To bring something into existence; to produce something new.
Example Sentences
She decided to create a new software application to solve the common problem faced by small businesses.
The artist used vibrant colors and bold strokes to create a captivating painting that drew the attention of everyone in the gallery.
They plan to create a community garden to provide fresh produce and a space for neighbors to connect.
He created a detailed plan to ensure the project's success, considering all potential challenges and resources.
The chef created an innovative dish by combining traditional ingredients with modern culinary techniques.
After years of research, scientists created a groundbreaking vaccine that could prevent the disease.
The company's new marketing strategy aims to create a strong brand presence in the competitive market, leveraging social media and influencer partnerships to reach a wider audience.
In response to the growing demand, the factory created additional shifts to increase production and meet customer needs promptly.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Bring something into existence using imagination or skill.This verb conveys the act of bringing something new into being, be it a product, idea, or work of art. You can deploy it to talk about forming original concepts in various fields—ranging from design and business to science and daily tasks. For instance, in a professional setting, you might say, “I will create a proposal for the new marketing campaign,” indicating you plan to develop a structured plan. In more artistic contexts, you could observe, “She created a stunning painting,” pointing to the imaginative process behind an artwork. In software or technology, “create” could mean coding a new application or building a data model. When you use this word, it implies originality, suggesting you’re starting from a blank slate—or at least transforming existing components into a fresh outcome. It’s also broadly applicable to simpler tasks, like “Let’s create a budget spreadsheet,” signaling the formation of a new document or system. Regardless of context, “create” underscores innovation, construction, and the act of making something happen where once there was nothing. Pair it with clear details about what’s being made, why, and how, so listeners or readers understand your aim—be it to develop a new product, start a novel, or design a unique event. In speech and writing alike, “create” offers a crisp, active way to express forming or inventing something new from a sea of possibilities.
Alternatives
If you’d like to capture a similar meaning but vary your phrasing, words like “generate,” “produce,” and “develop” fit well. “Generate” often points to the idea of causing something to come into being—like generating ideas for a project. “Produce” suggests a more concrete output, such as physical items or completed results—like producing a short film or producing a line of products. “Devise” emphasizes the mental aspect of inventing or planning something thoughtfully, often used in contexts like devising strategies or solutions. “Construct” underscores building or assembling components, handy for architecture or design. “Form” can highlight the essence of shaping or molding something new, whether conceptual or tangible. Meanwhile, “invent” is perfect for something entirely original that hasn’t existed before, tapping into the spirit of innovation and patents. Each choice can align with a particular domain or nuance: “generate” might suit brainstorming, “develop” suits continuous improvement, and “construct” suits hands-on creation. Selecting a term that matches your context—be it practical, strategic, or deeply innovative—fine-tunes your communication and underscores the active process of making something from the ground up. These variants allow you to shift focus from general creation to specifics like structured design, intellectual spark, or tangible assembly, while preserving the core idea of forging something fresh.
Writing
When writing, using “create” injects a sense of innovation, action, and forward movement into your sentences. It’s ideal for introducing how new ideas or products come to life—for example, “This experiment was designed to create a durable, eco-friendly fabric.” To keep your text varied, rotate between synonyms like “generate,” “produce,” or “develop,” which can offer subtle shifts in tone. Consider what you want readers to envision: a swift moment of inspiration (“He created a painting in one sitting”), or a carefully orchestrated process (“She systematically created a detailed marketing strategy over several months”). If you’re discussing theoretical frameworks, “create” can denote formulating new models or hypotheses, so long as you clarify the steps or logic behind them. Be precise about the outcome—what is being made or formed? That specificity ensures readers grasp the result’s nature and significance. To amplify the sense of originality, pair “create” with vivid adjectives or descriptors: “create a groundbreaking approach,” “create a bespoke solution,” or “create a mesmerizing visual effect.” Combining this verb with engaging details and a clear objective underscores progress, problem-solving, and imaginative prowess—driving your narrative or argument and sparking a sense of possibility in your audience.
Casual Conversation
In daily life, you may say, “Let’s create a fun plan for the weekend,” implying you’re brainstorming an exciting agenda. If a friend is feeling bored, you might suggest, “Why not create a new playlist?” capturing the idea of building something fresh. In more playful settings, “Let’s create a silly challenge” or “We can create a mini art project this afternoon” encourage spontaneity. You might also hear, “He’s always trying to create drama,” which casts “create” in a slightly negative light—meaning to stir up trouble. When planning an event or a gathering, a sentence like “I want to create a relaxed vibe tonight” signals your desire to foster a certain atmosphere. There’s also a wide, everyday use of “create” on social media platforms—people create TikTok clips, Instagram reels, or mini “how-to” content. In conversation, its casual vibe suits nearly any scenario where you bring something new or imaginative into existence—from cooking up a novel recipe to starting a scrapbook. If repetition becomes noticeable, synonyms like “make,” “build,” or “put together” help keep things natural while preserving the sense of making something from scratch. Overall, “create” in day-to-day chitchat exudes an upbeat, can-do energy, showing you’re actively shaping ideas, experiences, or fun moments.
Etymology
“Create” stems from the Latin “creare,” meaning “to bring forth,” “to beget,” or “to produce.” Over time, this root sense of giving existence—often used in contexts like familial lineage or divine creation—transitioned into a more general concept of making something new. As Middle English evolved, the word retained its connotations of genesis and originality, suitable for both spiritual or artistic contexts. Historically, “create” is steeped in the notion of forging something from nothing: in religion or mythology, deities ‘created’ worlds; in art, pioneers ‘created’ masterpieces that revolutionized culture. The word carried forth into modern usage with consistent emphasis on active invention, though it expanded to cover everything from everyday tasks to complex processes. This lineage underscores how “create” has always captured that spark of birth or manifestation, bridging the ancient sense of conjuring something into being with today’s realm of fresh ideas, designs, technologies, and experiences.