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
Although witness testimony tilted toward constructive engagement, security and compliance remained central themes.
—
Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
That would probably describe a number of the countries that are out there trying to respond with constructive deals.
—Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
But the artist has an innate understanding that the most constructive way of wielding control can be using it to carve out moments where honest emotion is sure to be unleashed.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 9 July 2025
Rejecting constructive, forward-looking multi-year plans only hinders effective grid management.
—Mark Case, Baltimore Sun, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for constructive
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Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
That would probably describe a number of the countries that are out there trying to respond with constructive deals.
—Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
But the artist has an innate understanding that the most constructive way of wielding control can be using it to carve out moments where honest emotion is sure to be unleashed.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 9 July 2025
Rejecting constructive, forward-looking multi-year plans only hinders effective grid management.
—Mark Case, Baltimore Sun, 9 July 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 22 Jul. 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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