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
Scott Spiegel was a huge part of my formative years back in Michigan.
—
Glenn Garner, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2025
The trailer of director Teona Strugar Mitevska’s project offers a glimpse into the formative period of one of history’s most complex religious figures during a pivotal moment in Teresa’s spiritual journey.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Aug. 2025
One such label includes Seventh Avenue Brand, which is based in New Orleans, Louisiana, one of the nation’s formative hotbeds of creativity.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 26 Aug. 2025
For many, Personal Best is a deeply formative film.
—Ana Osorno, Them., 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formative
Glenn Garner, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2025
The trailer of director Teona Strugar Mitevska’s project offers a glimpse into the formative period of one of history’s most complex religious figures during a pivotal moment in Teresa’s spiritual journey.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Aug. 2025
One such label includes Seventh Avenue Brand, which is based in New Orleans, Louisiana, one of the nation’s formative hotbeds of creativity.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 26 Aug. 2025
For many, Personal Best is a deeply formative film.
—Ana Osorno, Them., 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formative
Adjective
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Somewhere, creative teams are readying a rock opera and a Saturday morning cartoon.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
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And, since Congress expects workers and employers to be (cough) creative when characterizing wages as tips to avoid paying taxes on otherwise taxable income, Treasury is authorized to issue additional guidance to prevent abuse.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Up until now, the Vision Pro was predominantly an entertainment device for me that required me to carry a Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad to be productive — and that was a bit much to travel with.—
Anshel Sag,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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Howie Xu, the CAIO at cybersecurity software provider Gen Digital, says his scope is focused on three core areas, including how AI enhances the functionality of Gen Digital’s product, new opportunities for AI to be central to that product design, and how teams can use AI to be more productive.—
John Kell,
Fortune,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The former general further called on the public to express their aspirations in a peaceful and constructive manner, and promised their voices will be heard.—
Niniek Karmini,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Aug. 2025
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After each answer, provide constructive feedback.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formative. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
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