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

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 2018 But if this venture succeeds, there’s nothing that could be done, aside from changing human nature, that would be more constructive for our society. — Sam Tanenhaus, Town & Country, "Can Chris Whittle Launch a Truly Global School?," 10 July 2018 The most effective way to transform culture and mute divisiveness is through continued constructive dialogue. — Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, "Hate mail reinforces the gender divide in the car business," 21 June 2018 This builds constructive dialogue and accountability around issues of engagement, while encouraging employees to act and take ownership of the workplace culture. — Fraser Marlow, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Listen up — before it’s too late," 19 Apr. 2018

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

15 Oct 2018

Look-up Popularity

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