constructive

adjective

con·​struc·​tive kən-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce constructive (audio)
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

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
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.
Log in Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive. Sarah Matusek, Christian Science Monitor, 13 May 2025 Tech companies need to do more to make these tools genuinely safe and constructive. Diana Spehar, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 The interim head coach and longtime Sporting assistant offers constructive criticism, pointing out deficiencies while also making sure to celebrate Miller’s progress. Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2025 The group, led by Andrea Susan Glass, nonfiction book coach, author and UC San Diego instructor, gives constructive feedback on nonfiction writing. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for constructive

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of constructive was circa 1680

Cite this Entry

“Constructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constructive. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

constructive

adjective
con·​struc·​tive kən-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce constructive (audio)
: helping to develop or improve something
constructive suggestions
constructively adverb
constructiveness noun

Legal Definition

constructive

adjective
con·​struc·​tive kən-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce constructive (audio)
: 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 departureHarvard Law Review
compare actual
constructively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on constructive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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