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 actress, who spent her formative years as the child star who brought Hermione Granger to the big screen, now marks her 35th birthday on Tuesday, April 15.
—
Benjamin Vanhoose, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Our communities were the center of our worlds, until the formative years of our identities were interrupted.
—Cierra Chenier, Essence, 15 Apr. 2025
Later that morning, McConnell drove me around Burlington, pointing out where the members of Phish had lived, practiced, hung out, and gigged during the band’s formative years.
—Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
That coincided with Merrill’s formative years, from age nine to 15.
Merrill, who grew up a Red Sox fan, admired Machado and also sort of didn’t like him.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formative
Benjamin Vanhoose, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Our communities were the center of our worlds, until the formative years of our identities were interrupted.
—Cierra Chenier, Essence, 15 Apr. 2025
Later that morning, McConnell drove me around Burlington, pointing out where the members of Phish had lived, practiced, hung out, and gigged during the band’s formative years.
—Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
That coincided with Merrill’s formative years, from age nine to 15.
Merrill, who grew up a Red Sox fan, admired Machado and also sort of didn’t like him.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formative
Adjective
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Then there was the more recent event when McMahon shockingly returned to WWE after retiring, which seemed to have an effect on Triple H's creative plans, and Stephanie McMahon soon left the board.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Apr. 2025
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Without pedigree or privilege, Taylor forged his own leadership style—one that blends creative vision, market instinct, and a deep understanding of culture.—
Ali Jackson-Jolley,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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One is this idea of a universal digital assistant that can help you in your everyday life, to be more productive and enrich your life.—
Billy Perrigo,
Time,
27 Apr. 2025
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The White House called Trump and Zelenskyy's Vatican face-to-face very productive.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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By working together as a team to resolve issues, couples can break the cycle of blame and focus on healthier, more constructive communication. 4.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
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Zelenskyy's office called the talks constructive and positive.—
Bart H. Meijer and Gabriel Stargardter,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formative. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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