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

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 Some of her most formative childhood experiences took place at iconic locations around the city, such as The Black Archives and The American Jazz Museum, which sparked her passion for culture and community. J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2025 This formative experience became the driving force behind his decision to start his own firm, Fuicelli & Lee, in 2008; an intentional move toward advocacy rooted in personal conviction. Jon Stojan, USA Today, 15 June 2025 Willie’s formative experiences came in the forties and earlier. Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 14 June 2025 And, says Donahue, Gen Z also spent formative years during the pandemic, removed from in-person interactions and relying on smartphones and social media for connectivity, so AI therapy would seem like a natural progression. Fiorella Valdesolo, Vogue, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for formative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formative
Adjective
  • The future of brand experiences will run on AI, not for the sake of technology, but as a creative partner in storytelling, experiential design and emotional connection.
    Clara Ludmir, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • The pair ended up speaking for two hours about so much — including motherhood and wondering where their creative paths were headed — and by the end, Coppola asked her to join the film.
    Jenelle Riley, Variety, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • And the pace is intense— though not always productive or efficient.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Simply put, Queen has been wildly productive at every stage of his career.
    Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • While direct confrontation can carry risks, especially with politically adept individuals, there are constructive ways to assess the situation and mitigate reputational exposure.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Log in Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.
    Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 19 June 2025

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“Formative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formative. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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