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 But there are ways to have constructive and forward-moving conversations about it and that often takes a certain level of understanding and self-awareness. — Shalwah Evans, Essence, "Here's How 'Basketball Wives' Missed The Mark On The Colorism Conversation," 18 Oct. 2019 What appeared on the surface as constructive dialogue between Brooks’ allies and the Druid Heights Community Development Corp., the nonprofit planning the park, has since devolved into accusations of dishonesty and bad faith. — Sameer Rao, baltimoresun.com, "A house divided: As family feuds, jazz great Cab Calloway’s former Baltimore home set for demolition," 17 Oct. 2019 Thanks to the two new candidates that are offering constructive conversations and are not mere puppets of the current administration. — Ann Norman, cleveland, "What’s the most important thing on your local ballot this election?," 4 Oct. 2019 Kids are out there developing skills and doing something constructive. — Kyle Neddenriep, Indianapolis Star, "Colts' training camp: What is it like to have an NFL team practice in your backyard?," 25 July 2019 The biannual reports are a model of transparency and constructive criticism. — The Denver Post Editorial Board, The Denver Post, "Editorial: Aurora’s police department needs to be “fixed.” Now’s the perfect time to do it.," 1 Nov. 2019 Both sides are sending constructive signals ahead of the meeting in Chile. — cleveland, "In China’s capital of Halloween slime and ooze, the trade war is a scary subject," 30 Oct. 2019 These skills can lead to better behavior on the playground, better focus in the classroom and the ability to resolve conflicts in constructive ways. — Jennifer Breheny Wallace, chicagotribune.com, "How to manage intense emotions — both your child’s and your own," 23 Oct. 2019 These skills can lead to better behavior on the playground, better focus in the classroom and the ability to resolve conflicts in constructive ways. — Washington Post, "How to manage intense emotions — both your child’s and your own," 23 Oct. 2019

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

construction loan

construction paper

construction wrench

constructive catabolism

constructive escape

constructive malice

Statistics for constructive

Last Updated

26 Nov 2019

Cite this Entry

“Constructive.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constructive. Accessed 5 December 2019.

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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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WORD OF THE DAY

acquiesce

to accept, comply, or submit

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