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

Green says the hostility during the ELP and SHIFT Festival went both ways, and that there were many opportunities for participants to speak up and voice frustrations in a constructive manner. — Christine Yu, Outside Online, "What Happened at the SHIFT Festival?," 25 June 2019 During each club’s monthly meeting, members can pick the brains of homebrewing veterans, receive constructive feedback, and sample others’ creations. — Emma Simmons, al.com, "Local homebrew clubs bring community to beer lovers," 18 June 2019 The most constructive and best criticism came from the one and only Nina Garcia. — Rod Stafford Hagwood, sun-sentinel.com, "South Florida designer Sebastian Grey wins ‘Project Runway’," 14 June 2019 The ongoing volatility between the university’s administration and its board of governors has made constructive negotiations impossible. — David Jesse, Detroit Free Press, "DMC, Wayne State fight for years with millions of dollars and care of poor at stake," 20 June 2019 To be fair, many online reviews are definitely not meant as constructive criticism. — Dana Mcmahan, The Courier-Journal, "Everybody's a critic: What Louisville restaurateurs really think of your Yelp review," 17 June 2019 The program is to survey existing conditions and make constructive recommendations aimed at reducing the potential for future crime or becoming a victim. — baltimoresun.com, "Aberdeen: Free Starbucks at farmers market next two Thursdays," 6 June 2019 In cosmology, destruction is not arbitrary chaos, but constructive and totally necessary, clearing the way for future growth. — Jill Kiedaisch, Popular Mechanics, "Life on Earth May Have Been Born From a Maelstrom of Molten Iron," 15 Jan. 2019 Your therapist isn’t receptive to constructive criticism. — Kimberly Truong, SELF, "Here’s Exactly How to Break Up With Your Therapist," 9 Mar. 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

9 Jul 2019

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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