Definition of reformativenext
as in corrective
serving to raise or adjust something to some standard or proper condition took reformative measures to curb abuses in the state's system of justice

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 reformative As part of the reformative aims of the convict system, many of these men were incarcerated at Fremantle Prison, trained, and put to work on infrastructure projects such as bridges, roads, and public buildings. Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 7 Aug. 2025 Fifty-five years after Martin Luther King's death, African Americans continue to proudly honor his reformative legacy in Phoenix. The Arizona Republic, 14 Jan. 2024 While the idea of hiring actors might raise some eyebrows, acting and artistry can be an important step in the reformative process, and Hemsworth suggested that the actors’ real-life experiences helped shape their on-screen characters. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 5 Dec. 2023 Behind the scenes, though, the bill text began not as a reformative measure, but as a company-friendly statute that would help industry avoid some regulations. Neil Bedi, ProPublica, 14 Dec. 2022 The redemptive and reformative power of stories runs through the film, the opening shot of which contains a spare movie set, dominated by scaffolding and a camera track on the floor. John Anderson, WSJ, 15 Nov. 2022 Moores positioned himself as the pro-police candidate compared to Stansbury's more reformative stance, reflecting national concerns about policing in the wake of killings of people of color by police and nationwide protests in favor of Black lives. Chelsey Cox, USA TODAY, 3 June 2021 The idea, while well-intentioned, appears to be more performative than reformative. Ellen McGirt, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reformative
Adjective
  • In that role, Johnson can receive misconduct complaints, review findings and disciplinary recommendations from the independent police auditor and participate in recommending corrective action.
    Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The board, after the hearing, indefinitely extended the stop-work order, stipulating that the developer had to take a number of corrective steps to address the runoff issues.
    Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Benevolent, the latest work from playwright Sophie McIntosh (Macbitches), tells the story of four young women at Inwood’s Benevolent Home—a reformatory house for fallen and friendless girls—in 1917.
    Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Like Manson, Arguelles also went to an all-boys military reformatory school in Pasadena, Calif.
    Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • During periods of heightened pressure, the initial response can be beneficial.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • There are lots of different types of sauerkraut out there that may be beneficial for your health.
    Amanda Doyle, HEALTH, 21 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reformative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reformative. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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