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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of formative
Writing and playing music became Warren’s way of processing her emotions while navigating health struggles throughout her formative years.
—
Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Smythe, following formative stints at Disney's Hollywood Records, Yahoo! Music, Warner Bros. Records and Clear Channel has worked for nearly two decades as the founder and CEO of Girlilla Marketing.
—Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Raynaud has come a long way from his formative years in France.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2025
Many young people lost the freedom of those formative years, taking solace in self-care and meditative, solo activities at home like crafting and reading.
—Kitty Ruskin, Time, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for formative
Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Smythe, following formative stints at Disney's Hollywood Records, Yahoo! Music, Warner Bros. Records and Clear Channel has worked for nearly two decades as the founder and CEO of Girlilla Marketing.
—Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Raynaud has come a long way from his formative years in France.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2025
Many young people lost the freedom of those formative years, taking solace in self-care and meditative, solo activities at home like crafting and reading.
—Kitty Ruskin, Time, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for formative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formative
Adjective
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Burton designed Kate's wedding dress while at Alexander McQueen and the princess has worn McQueen numerous further times since, while Burton was creative director.—
Jack Royston,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
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However, for some, those early obsessions mature into creative callings.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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Snow was still productive for the Giants in the 2000s, with a .276/.372/.420 slash line, a .337 postseason average and the last of his six Gold Gloves.—
Tyler Kepner,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
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Today, an open-minded, AI-native young person who is comfortable with these tools can accomplish so much more, so much quicker, and help older people be more productive.—
Paul Klein,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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With 73 countries now involved, the platform offers a new model of constructive multilateralism, grounded in country ownership and solutions that match the moment. 3.—
Michael Sheldrick,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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The next president should enter office with a clear and constructive vision for the future of American foreign policy and move to realize it with the same alacrity the Trump administration has displayed in its first 100 days.—
REBECCA LISSNER,
Foreign Affairs,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formative. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
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