constructive
adjective
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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
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Synonyms & Antonyms for constructive
Synonyms
Antonyms
nonconstructive, nonproductive, unproductive
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Examples of constructive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The 2015 suit asked for $200 million for constructive termination, breach of contract, and breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing. — Sean Elder, Town & Country, "The War of The Grosses: Inside the Bitter Divorce Battle of the Laguna Beach "Bond King"," 22 Oct. 2018 But neither political party has a monopoly on the truth or on constructive ideas for our country. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Joshua Kushner Just Shared a Secret Wedding Photo of Karlie Kloss, and It's Perfect," 21 Oct. 2018 Just seeing it on your own reflection or on someone else inspires an immediate smile (some constructive advice, cat-callers: just be glitter). — Allure, "Yes, You Can (and Should) Wear Glitter Makeup No Matter How Old You Are," 9 Oct. 2018 As Noah embarks on a quest to figure out exactly what has happened to him, Arnold starts to delve into deep questions about loneliness and inertia, and about what kinds of change are constructive and what kinds are not. — Constance Grady, Vox, "This Bowie-inflected YA novel is an elegant and elliptical portrait of teen angst," 14 June 2018 These traits enabled Jay to forge strong, constructive relationships throughout the ship. — Houston Chronicle, "Letters to the Editor," 30 June 2018 Like the guy in the White House, Scott Wagner only says things that are destructive rather than constructive. — John Baer, Philly.com, "Why Pennsylvania's race for governor is so harsh so early," 27 May 2018 But their willingness to take a peaceful and constructive stand should be commended. — The Kansas City Star Editorial Board, kansascity, "KC students punished for walkout should wear truancy warnings as a badge of honor | The Kansas City Star," 15 Mar. 2018 But abandoning the overt attacks on climate science could eventually pave the way for more constructive conversation about policy to address the threats of climate change. — Mark Trumbull, The Christian Science Monitor, "From new leadership to Clean Power Plan, subtle shifts ripple through EPA," 11 July 2018These 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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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
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Kids Definition of constructive
: helping to develop or improve something constructive criticism
constructive
adjective
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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
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