formative

adjective

ˈfȯr-mə-tiv How to pronounce formative (audio)
Definition of formativenext
as in creative
having a role in deciding something's final form a teacher who was a formative influence on generations of students

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 formative Specifically its interpretation onscreen in my formative Little Women, the 1994 Gillian Armstrong film version. — Sarah Chihaya, Vulture, 16 July 2026 The collection also reveals how deeply Bowie remained connected to this formative period. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 15 July 2026 Erwin’s passion for the subject matter helped propel him to the ambitious biopic that focuses on George Washington’s formative years. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 13 July 2026 The extraordinary thing about Haaland is how ordinary his formative years were. — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for formative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formative
  1. creative
  2. productive
  3. constructive
Adjective
  • Silbiger’s creative burnout and yearning to explore the United States coincided with Bernert taking a buyout in the autumn of 2023 from his journalism job in the district.
    — Sarah Silbiger, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • What Rick and Morty had going for it, at its best, was conceptual inspiration, the ability to take a kernel of an idea and stretch it to the creative limit and beyond.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026
Definition of creative
Adjective
  • The most productive viewing generally comes after midnight, when Earth’s rotation turns observers into the incoming stream of comet debris.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • Samuel had his most productive seasons under Kyle Shanahan with the San Francisco 49ers.
    — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of productive
Adjective
  • However, successful leaders utilize specific phrases to foster constructive dialogue.
    — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Although the trio is known for their high standards and constructive criticism, their off-camera lives reveal a softer side.
    — Ilana Frost, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026
Definition of constructive

Browse Nearby Words

formations
formative
formats
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Cite this Entry

“Formative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formative. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on formative

Nglish: Translation of formative for Spanish Speakers

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