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
The analysts are more constructive on fellow portfolio banks Wells Fargo and Goldman Sachs , raising their PTs on both stocks.
—
Jim Cramer, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2025
Toth’s approach to uncertainty is measured and constructive.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 16 Dec. 2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has his priorities but is willing to make concessions through constructive negotiations—although a seat at the table would be a good start.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 16 Dec. 2025
Lewis said that the tribe would continue to be a constructive player in the discussions if they are done in good faith.
—Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 14 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constructive
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Jim Cramer, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2025
Toth’s approach to uncertainty is measured and constructive.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 16 Dec. 2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has his priorities but is willing to make concessions through constructive negotiations—although a seat at the table would be a good start.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 16 Dec. 2025
Lewis said that the tribe would continue to be a constructive player in the discussions if they are done in good faith.
—Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 14 Dec. 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 27 Dec. 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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