constructive

adjective con·struc·tive \ kən-ˈstrək-tiv \

|Updated on: 11 Jun 2018

Examples: constructive in a Sentence

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

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constructively

adverb

—

constructiveness

noun

See constructive defined for English-language learners

See constructive defined for kids

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 of constructive from the Web

But there’s nothing constructive in what-aboutism, and holding Colangelo at fault betrays a misunderstanding of the power dynamics in play.

— david murphy, Philly.com, "Markelle Fultz's summer-league decision with Sixers will show if he is listening to the right people | David Murphy," 29 May 2018
But during office hours, employees say the company thrives on communication, sharing ideas and - perhaps most importantly - constructive conversations about conflict.

— greg larose, NOLA.com, "Top Workplaces: Team spirit lifts Ryan Gootee General Contractors," 24 May 2018
Rafa Benitez could avoid £6m payment to NUFC by claiming constructive dismissal over belief owner Mike Ashley has broken promises.

— SI.com, "Report Reveals How Benitez Could Avoid £6m Contract Penalty With Newcastle Boss Keen on West Ham," 18 May 2018
There is enough constructive cross-tribal communication—and enough agreement on what the credible sources of information are—to preserve some overlap of, and some fruitful interaction between, world views.

— robert wright, WIRED, "Sam Harris and the Myth of Perfectly Rational Thought," 17 May 2018
Macron has expended perhaps more energy than other world leaders in working to build a constructive personal relationship with his unpredictable American counterpart, though Trudeau has long courted the U.S. president as well.

— jackie calmes, latimes.com, "Trump calls for Russia's reinstatement, adding to deep tensions with allies at G-7 summit," 8 June 2018
This charming gift of constructive improvisation is clearly inherited from Annie, who designs doll’s houses, replicating her own experience in miniature.

— anthony lane, The New Yorker, "“Hereditary” Delivers a New Kind of Horror," 7 June 2018
Four minors were found in constructive possession of liquid THC, which is a felony, and a vaporizing smoking pipe.

— Sun-Sentinel.com, "Davie, Cooper City area crime reports," 7 June 2018
But our emphasis at least has been on constructive activities in our communities.

— benjamin hoffman, New York Times, "LeBron James and Stephen Curry Unite Against White House Visits," 5 June 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.

First Known Use of constructive

circa 1680

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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constructive Synonyms

CONSTRUCTIVE Defined for English Language Learners

constructive

adjective

Definition of constructive for English Language Learners

: helping to develop or improve something : helpful to someone instead of upsetting and negative

CONSTRUCTIVE Defined for Kids

constructive

adjective con·struc·tive \ kən-ˈstrək-tiv \

Definition of constructive for Students

: helping to develop or improve something

constructive criticism

—

constructively

adverb

Law Dictionary

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

—

constructively

adverb

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Examples of constructive in a Sentence

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CONSTRUCTIVE Defined for English Language Learners

constructive

Definition of constructive for English Language Learners

CONSTRUCTIVE Defined for Kids

constructive

Definition of constructive for Students

constructively

Law Dictionary

constructive

legal Definition of constructive

constructively

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