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
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
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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Constructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constructive. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Harvard Law Review
constructively
adverb
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