Synonyms of formative

formative

adjective

ˈfȯr-mə-tiv 

as in creative

having a role in deciding something's final form

a teacher who was a formative influence on generations of students

Synonyms & Similar Words

• creative
• productive
• constructive
• causal
• influential
• consequential

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unproductive
• nonproductive
• nonconstructive

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of formative

Kraddick’s sudden death left a deep impression on then-46-year-old Bert Weiss, who worked with Kraddick during his formative radio years. — Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 2 Nov. 2026

In his new memoir, Fictional Selves (recently excerpted in The Hollywood Reporter) actor Kyle Maclachlan, recalled the surreal, formative experience of shooting Dune in the Mexican desert alongside Stewart. — Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2026

Lin has been a steady hand in Netflix’s film operations for two-and-a-half years, ushered in to stop the lavish spending of the streamer’s formative Scott Stuber era. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026

Lego bricks are an iconic part of many kid’s formative years, and have likely raised entire generations of future engineers. — Chris Stokel-Walker, Time, 15 Oct. 2026