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
Our constructive view follows a comprehensive review of UTHR’s current valuation alongside its recent operating performance and financial position.
—
Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Israel’s track record offers some basis for constructive engagement.
—semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Morgan Stanley is adopting a more constructive view on Kraft Heinz following the company’s decision to split in two.
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
Rather, Brazil has preferred a multidirectional diplomatic approach, grounded in the principles of autonomy, pragmatism, and constructive engagement with a diverse array of global actors.
—Hussein Kalout, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constructive
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Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Israel’s track record offers some basis for constructive engagement.
—semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Morgan Stanley is adopting a more constructive view on Kraft Heinz following the company’s decision to split in two.
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
Rather, Brazil has preferred a multidirectional diplomatic approach, grounded in the principles of autonomy, pragmatism, and constructive engagement with a diverse array of global actors.
—Hussein Kalout, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 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 5 Sep. 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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