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
The extraordinary success achieved by some of the world’s greatest leaders often traces back to formative, and sometimes complicated, childhood environments.
—
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
Going to see Justin Vivian Bond at Joe’s Pub for many years was a formative experience.
—David Kamp, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025
Such experiences of deliberate deurbanization were politically formative.
—JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
But his first job in retail, training at Tesco under Sir Terry Leahy, was particularly formative.
—Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formative
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
Going to see Justin Vivian Bond at Joe’s Pub for many years was a formative experience.
—David Kamp, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025
Such experiences of deliberate deurbanization were politically formative.
—JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
But his first job in retail, training at Tesco under Sir Terry Leahy, was particularly formative.
—Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formative
Adjective
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Rich Little Brokegirls founder Kimberly Bizu sat down with creator and corporate strategist Jodie Taylor, discussing what women of color navigating corporate spaces and creative careers need to know.—
Essence,
Essence,
7 Nov. 2025
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Anyone vaguely near the aesthetic gets christened it by fans, including Bassvictim, who were always funnier and more creative than the other modern electroclash revivalists.—
Kieran Press-Reynolds,
Pitchfork,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The center has been highly productive, ranging from $2,000 to up to $3,000 in peak years.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
6 Nov. 2025
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For example, staying up late to complete a task may allow it to be finished before bed, but the next day will be less productive.—
Ashley Olivine,
Verywell Health,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist and son of famed zookeeper and television personality Steve Irwin further elaborated just why Russell's constructive criticism means so much.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Oct. 2025
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Microsoft Bank of America remains most constructive on Microsoft, noting that the company doesn't rely on speculative long-term promises to justify its AI investments.—
Alex Harring,Yun Li,
CNBC,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formative. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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