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
These improving technical backdrops suggest both CHWY and FRPT may be transitioning into more constructive phases as sentiment shifts around pet supply companies.
—
Katie Stockton, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026
At the time, the constructive Wisconsin socialists were focusing not so much on political posturing or marching around town railing about the rich, but on cleaning up city neighborhoods and improving the quality of citizens’ lives, one functional drain at a time.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026
What American journalism needs is a constructive intervention that strengthens the free market and leaves newsrooms free from the perception of state influence.
—Julian Baron, Baltimore Sun, 19 Apr. 2026
To prove constructive fraud, a plaintiff has to establish that there was a relationship of trust and confidence, along with several other elements.
—Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for constructive
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Katie Stockton, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026
At the time, the constructive Wisconsin socialists were focusing not so much on political posturing or marching around town railing about the rich, but on cleaning up city neighborhoods and improving the quality of citizens’ lives, one functional drain at a time.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026
What American journalism needs is a constructive intervention that strengthens the free market and leaves newsrooms free from the perception of state influence.
—Julian Baron, Baltimore Sun, 19 Apr. 2026
To prove constructive fraud, a plaintiff has to establish that there was a relationship of trust and confidence, along with several other elements.
—Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for constructive
Cite this Entry
“Constructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constructive. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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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