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
Kremlin reportedly said the meeting was constructive but there was no breakthrough.
—
Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 3 Dec. 2025
One of the many constructive pieces of performing that Anka learned from Sinatra was the importance of being surrounded by top-notch musicians on stage, a credo Anka still implements.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 1 Dec. 2025
Carrie Ann Inaba was booed multiple times throughout the night, as the only judge who really gave any type of constructive criticism.
—Emily Longeretta, Variety, 26 Nov. 2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the European plan is a constructive one that could actually end the war.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constructive
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Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 3 Dec. 2025
One of the many constructive pieces of performing that Anka learned from Sinatra was the importance of being surrounded by top-notch musicians on stage, a credo Anka still implements.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 1 Dec. 2025
Carrie Ann Inaba was booed multiple times throughout the night, as the only judge who really gave any type of constructive criticism.
—Emily Longeretta, Variety, 26 Nov. 2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the European plan is a constructive one that could actually end the war.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 25 Nov. 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 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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