Definition of constructivenext
as in creative
having a role in deciding something's final form his experiences as an exchange student played a constructive part in the course that his life would take

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of constructive Trade timing & outlook Target has been building a constructive recovery as investors begin to price in a better second half of 2026. Tony Zhang, CNBC, 22 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constructive
Adjective
  • Romantic and creative discussions are also favored.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The return of control and Guardiola’s 4-2-2-2 setup seemed to squeeze Cherki to the margins, despite his creative output and joie de vivre.
    Sam Lee, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Wall Street bankers have been known to lean on Adderall and other stimulants to be more productive, while Silicon Valley executives microdose on ketamine or use psychedelics to be more creative.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Fagnano and Pavia were two of the most productive quarterbacks in the country last season, with the 25-year-old Fagnano racking up the best touchdown-to-interception ratio in the country (28 to 1) and being named a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien Award as the nation’s top QB.
    Staff Reports, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026

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“Constructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constructive. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.

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