FORMATIVE Synonyms: 9 Similar and Opposite Words

formative

adjective

ˈfȯr-mə-tiv

Definition of formative

as in creative

having a role in deciding something's final form a teacher who was a formative influence on generations of students

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of formative Also formative here would have been the artist Jorge Pardo’s redesign of the ancient Art of the Americas galleries, now disappeared by the demolition of the former museum. — George Baker, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 But a new study has found reliable evidence that this formative process involved more diverse species also making the transition. — New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026 Partridge shared that children with ADHD receive up to 20,000 additional negative micro-messages during their formative years. — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Rezaei, 71, led the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard during its formative years, through the entire 1980-1988 war with Iraq and until 1997. — Lee Keath, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for formative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for formative

Adjective

Leo July 23 – August 22 A personal experience could become useful material for something creative.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
Discussions are expected to address creative and personal development, family planning and questions surrounding who is responsible for archiving sapphic history.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of creative

Adjective

The Lions will lose athleticism in Miller, but if Borom can hold his own, the offense can still have a productive night.

— Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Since industrial logging began more than a century ago, most of Vancouver Island’s productive old-growth forests — those capable of growing the large trees characteristic of the island’s rainforests — have been cut.

— Annika Hammerschlag, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of productive

Adjective

Market outlook That could suggest a more challenging environment for stocks, but investors remain constructive on equities overall given the underlying strength of the economy.

— Sarah Min,Paulina Likos, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
When people aren’t fully comfortable with their own knowledge, hearing constructive feedback can feel exposing.

— Michel Koopman, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of constructive

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formations

formative

formats

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“Formative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formative. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of formative

adjective

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