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
Sturdivant spent some of his formative years in Overland Park, Kan., living across a creek from the home of former Gators quarterback Graham Mertz.
—
Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2025
The move was formative, if not particularly lucrative.
—Ryan Ermey
mickey Todiwala, CNBC, 8 Aug. 2025
No taste is more indicative of my formative years than the cheesy, meaty crunch of a Crispito.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2025
Becoming a man, especially for our two characters at the formative years of 17 and 18 years old.
—Giana Levy, Variety, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for formative
Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2025
The move was formative, if not particularly lucrative.
—Ryan Ermey
mickey Todiwala, CNBC, 8 Aug. 2025
No taste is more indicative of my formative years than the cheesy, meaty crunch of a Crispito.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2025
Becoming a man, especially for our two characters at the formative years of 17 and 18 years old.
—Giana Levy, Variety, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for formative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formative
Adjective
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What Gross wants to convey is that his story has nothing to do with being an adaptive driver, and everything to do with coming up with creative approaches to life.—
Kristin Shaw,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
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Wang noted the brand is seeing demand for even more creative expressions like multi-panel construction, utility features, hybrid denim-nylon fabrics.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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What sets me apart is my commitment to a new, respectful and non-partisan approach focused on productive discourse and real results for our community.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Aug. 2025
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More importantly, you're only charged for actual productive talk time, not training or after-call work.—
Alex Levin,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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President Trump sounded constructive regarding a potential US–China trade deal.—
Brendan Ahern,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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Some supportive, some angry, some constructive, others not so much.—
Jennifer Flowers,
AFAR Media,
4 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formative. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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