as in creative
having a role in deciding something's final form
a teacher who was a formative influence on generations of students
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Recent Examples of formative
Taymor looks forward to the tour’s arrival in Chicago, which was the site of formative moments in her early career.
—
Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
By engaging teen boys during the critical middle and high school years, the program encourages civic leadership, responsibility, empathy, and confidence at a formative stage of life.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
Some of my most formative memories are of critics disappearing into the basement of Nyayo House in Nairobi, a notorious torture and detention center where the vanished would not be heard from for weeks, months, or even longer.
—Binaifer Nowrojee, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, Congress has also ventured into the sphere, which would be a much larger aim at AI for all kinds of uses, but nothing has gotten to a formative stage.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formative
Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
By engaging teen boys during the critical middle and high school years, the program encourages civic leadership, responsibility, empathy, and confidence at a formative stage of life.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
Some of my most formative memories are of critics disappearing into the basement of Nyayo House in Nairobi, a notorious torture and detention center where the vanished would not be heard from for weeks, months, or even longer.
—Binaifer Nowrojee, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, Congress has also ventured into the sphere, which would be a much larger aim at AI for all kinds of uses, but nothing has gotten to a formative stage.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formative
Adjective
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The bear that rips the plastic bass to shreds is AI-generated, said Nathan Monteith, the executive creative director at Highdive.—
Liam Rappleye,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
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Be creative, entrepreneurial and open to new experiences and professional networks while continuing to clarify your interests, purpose, and goals.—
Micki Meyer,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
According to the National Institutes of Health, the liposomes included in this type of vitamin C allow the nutrient to slide into your cells at a more productive rate.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
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The Lakers need a healthy and productive Ayton going forward.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Their notes are smart, their comments are constructive.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2026
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But during a Zoom call with reporters Monday, Miller credited Codie for accepting constructive criticism from the coaches and staying prepared for his opportunity.—
Thomas Jones,
Austin American Statesman,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formative. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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