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
These are formative years, when children in LA learn about the tricks to surviving a scrimmage match.
—
Rafael Perez, Daily News, 16 Jan. 2026
Pruning Perform formative pruning in winter by removing weaker side shoots so the plant directs its energy to the main stem.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 15 Jan. 2026
The house was a formative place for Gilberg.
—Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026
For as great as Brady was, the Patriots' defense carried New England in the playoffs during his formative seasons.
—Mike Sando, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formative
Rafael Perez, Daily News, 16 Jan. 2026
Pruning Perform formative pruning in winter by removing weaker side shoots so the plant directs its energy to the main stem.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 15 Jan. 2026
The house was a formative place for Gilberg.
—Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026
For as great as Brady was, the Patriots' defense carried New England in the playoffs during his formative seasons.
—Mike Sando, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formative
Adjective
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The Nevada County Arts Council does an extensive survey to track the creative economy locally.—
Kayla Moeller,
CBS News,
23 Jan. 2026
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Minnesota swung that deal for Dillingham as a creative way to get around the team-building restrictions of the aprons.—
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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While Rodgers had a relatively productive first season with the Steelers, the 42-year-old quarterback is undoubtedly much closer to the sunset of his storied career than the onset.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
28 Jan. 2026
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Extending the life of an octogenarian does not have the same social impact as saving a young person in the prime of life or a child with decades of productive years ahead.—
James Broughel,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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This keeps the long-term trend constructive, even as near-term momentum has cooled off (RSI at 50 is just an equilibrium, not a confirmation of anything).—
Josh Brown,Sean Russo,
CNBC,
26 Jan. 2026
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Talks among envoys from Ukraine, Russia and the United States in recent days in Abu Dhabi were constructive and another round is planned for next week, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formative. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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