constructive

adjective

con·​struc·​tive kən-ˈstrək-tiv 

1

: declared such by judicial construction or interpretation

constructive fraud

2

: of or relating to construction or creation

3

: promoting improvement or development

constructive criticism

constructively adverb

constructiveness noun

Synonyms of constructive

• creative
• productive

Examples of constructive in a Sentence

I tried to offer constructive criticism.

Your feedback was not very constructive.

The program helps people recently released from prison figure out how they can play a constructive role in society.

Recent Examples on the Web

Bazaldua and Blackmon asked Judge Eric Moye to require Tolbert and Johnson to appear and show cause why they shouldn't be held in constructive contempt of his court order. —Jack Fink, CBS News, 16 June 2026

Sensual Venus in your 8th House of Intimacy trines nebulous Neptune in your 4th House of Home, helping tender conversations feel safer and more constructive. —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 16 June 2026

But officials held out hope that successful negotiations, with the support of others in the region such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, could encourage Tehran to become a more constructive regional actor. —Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026

Longer term, the ratio is stuck in a neutral trend, but the recent improvement supports a more constructive tactical outlook for the group. —Katie Stockton, CNBC, 15 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for constructive

• abductive
• conductive
• deductive
• destructive
• inductive
• instructive
• obstructive
• productive
• reductive
• seductive
• counterproductive
• photoconductive

Kids Definition

constructive

adjective

con·​struc·​tive kən-ˈstrək-tiv 

: helping to develop or improve something

constructive suggestions

constructively adverb

constructiveness noun

Legal Definition

constructive

adjective

con·​struc·​tive kən-ˈstrək-tiv 

: created by a legal fiction: as

a

: inferred by a judicial construction or interpretation

b

: not actual but implied by operation of the law

made a constructive entry when he refused to take the opportunity for a voluntary departure

—Harvard Law Review

compare actual

constructively adverb