constructive

adjective

con·struc·tive | \ kən-ˈstrək-tiv

Definition of constructive

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

Other Words from constructive Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about constructive

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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

Your therapist isn’t receptive to constructive criticism. — Kimberly Truong, SELF, "Here’s Exactly How to Break Up With Your Therapist," 9 Mar. 2019 If that happens, try to ask constructive questions. — Josephine Yurcaba, Woman's Day, "How to Ask For a Raise," 18 Apr. 2019 The most notable period of (constructive) intervention occurred afterward its publication, from 1844 to 1864. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "President Macron Wants to See Notre-Dame Cathedral Restored in Five Years," 16 Apr. 2019 That is why there is also a constructive harmony here. — Vanessa Lawrence, ELLE Decor, "A Mecca of Spanish Design and Food Opens in New York," 3 Apr. 2019 Copeland wants to move the conversation forward, turning her experiences into something constructive and becoming a positive role model. — Jane Sit, CNN, "Misty Copeland: Why this ballet superstar is fighting for diversity," 5 Apr. 2018 To offer intelligent and empowered thinking.. And see something constructive coming out of this moment? — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Read the "Weird" Email Conversation Between Margaret Cho and Tilda Swinton," 17 Dec. 2016 Adopting a more constructive way of thinking about infrastructure would bring many benefits. — David Siegel, WSJ, "Don’t Binge on Bridge-Building," 18 June 2018 Even when the criticism is negative, its constructive—implying that these movies have the capacity to get better. — Cady Drell, Marie Claire, "Welcome to Rom-Com Week," 11 Feb. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'constructive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near constructive

constructive catabolism

constructive escape

constructive malice

Statistics for constructive

Last Updated

14 May 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for constructive

The first known use of constructive was circa 1680

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More Definitions for constructive

constructive

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of constructive

: helping to develop or improve something : helpful to someone instead of upsetting and negative

See the full definition for constructive in the English Language Learners Dictionary

constructive

adjective

con·struc·tive | \ kən-ˈstrək-tiv

Kids Definition of constructive

: helping to develop or improve something constructive criticism

constructive

adjective

con·struc·tive | \ kən-ˈstrək-tiv

Legal Definition of constructive

: 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