constructive

con·struc·tive | \ kən-ˈstrək-tiv

How to pronounce constructive (audio)

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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

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 The Boston Celtics drew a little constructive criticism after Game 1 from a familiar source — Danny Ainge, their own front office guru. — Joe Freeman, oregonlive, "CJ McCollum helps voting cause, Miami Heat’s incredible turnaround, LeBron James makes history, NBA all-snub team: Playoffs news and notes," 17 Sep. 2020 Suggestions ranged from offering constructive criticism to a colleague to taking over a call for a partner who lost their temper, even if no one else noticed. — Liz Sawyer, Star Tribune, "Police ethics training takes on added resonance after death of George Floyd," 15 Sep. 2020 Ask them to be honest, and welcome their constructive criticism. — Mika Brzezinski, NBC News, "Mika's Know Your Value pandemic reset: Get your Zoom face on," 9 Sep. 2020 That will require that the police be the first movers in the game, which in turn will require that communities play a constructive role in shaping the changes in the foundations of policing in America. — Daniel Nagin, Washington Post, "Guest Post: Constructing civility and trust between police and citizens," 9 Sep. 2020 The State Department clearly hoped that in the meantime, countries could agree to disagree, but still have constructive dialogue. — Amy Kellogg, Fox News, "Pompeo's Mideast trip vital to advancing goal of peace, analyst tells Fox News," 27 Aug. 2020 Then the women circled up for an After Action Report, giving praise and constructive criticism to each other in their different roles. — Alex Potter, National Geographic, "The women battling wildfires and breaking barriers in the American wilderness," 13 Aug. 2020 Writers in the Secret Garden, by Cecilia R. Aragon and Katie Davis, details the supportive comments and constructive criticism that make fan fiction’s collaborative online forums effective teaching environments. — Kate Cray, The Atlantic, "The Books Briefing: The Writers Who Don’t Work Alone," 7 Aug. 2020 My interactions were always constructive and respectful. — Emily Larsen, Washington Examiner, "Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder backs Biden, calling Trump a 'bully'," 3 Sep. 2020

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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Learn More about constructive

Dictionary Entries near constructive

construction loan

construction paper

construction wrench

constructive catabolism

constructive escape

constructive malice

Statistics for constructive

Last Updated

20 Sep 2020

Cite this Entry

“Constructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constructive. Accessed 26 Sep. 2020.

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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

con·struc·tive | \ kən-ˈstrək-tiv

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Kids Definition of constructive

: helping to develop or improve something constructive criticism

constructive

con·struc·tive | \ kən-ˈstrək-tiv

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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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