constructive
adjective
con·struc·tive
kən-ˈstrək-tiv 
1
: declared such by judicial construction or interpretation
constructive fraud
2
: of or relating to construction or creation
3
: promoting improvement or development
constructive criticism
constructively
adverb
constructiveness
noun
Examples of constructive in a Sentence
I tried to offer constructive criticism.
Your feedback was not very constructive.
The program helps people recently released from prison figure out how they can play a constructive role in society.
Recent Examples on the Web
With 73 countries now involved, the platform offers a new model of constructive multilateralism, grounded in country ownership and solutions that match the moment.
3.
—
Michael Sheldrick, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
The next president should enter office with a clear and constructive vision for the future of American foreign policy and move to realize it with the same alacrity the Trump administration has displayed in its first 100 days.
—Rebecca Lissner, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Does the constructive criticism seem fair and helpful?
—Megan Sauer, CNBC, 23 June 2025
Log in Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.
—Sam Mednick, Christian Science Monitor, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for constructive
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Michael Sheldrick, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
The next president should enter office with a clear and constructive vision for the future of American foreign policy and move to realize it with the same alacrity the Trump administration has displayed in its first 100 days.
—Rebecca Lissner, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Does the constructive criticism seem fair and helpful?
—Megan Sauer, CNBC, 23 June 2025
Log in Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.
—Sam Mednick, Christian Science Monitor, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for constructive
Cite this Entry
“Constructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constructive. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
constructive
adjective
con·struc·tive
kən-ˈstrək-tiv
: helping to develop or improve something
constructive suggestions
constructively
adverb
constructiveness
noun
Legal Definition
constructive
adjective
con·struc·tive
kən-ˈstrək-tiv
: created by a legal fiction: as
a
: inferred by a judicial construction or interpretation
b
: not actual but implied by operation of the law
made a constructive entry when he refused to take the opportunity for a voluntary departure—Harvard Law Review
compare actual
Harvard Law Review
constructively
adverb
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