constructive

adjective

con·​struc·​tive kən-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce constructive (audio)
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 Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive. Michael R. Sisak, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Mar. 2024 Supporters of the bill said it is supposed to promote critical thinking and constructive dialogue and promote intellectual and viewpoint diversity. Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 15 Mar. 2024 Despite the unfathomable emotional pain the Montgomery family has had to endure, Brian has endeavored to turn the experience into something constructive for the world—for society, for the rest of us. Frank H. McCourt Jr., Fortune, 12 Mar. 2024 During the round of coalition talks that collapsed last month, Mr. Wilders used his opportunity as the center of political attention to put his best face on and present himself as professional and constructive. Claire Moses, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2024 But Larry [in real life] actually decided to do something constructive with his pee time. Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2024 Riyadh tried to play a more constructive role after 2012, when protests brought down Saleh. Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2024 Practicing with friends or mentors who can provide constructive feedback will bolster your confidence. Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2024 This is what leads to constructive resolution and a restorative way forward. Anna Shields, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'constructive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of constructive was circa 1680

Dictionary Entries Near constructive

Cite this Entry

“Constructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constructive. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

constructive

adjective
con·​struc·​tive kən-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce constructive (audio)
: helping to develop or improve something
constructive suggestions
constructively adverb
constructiveness noun

Legal Definition

constructive

adjective
con·​struc·​tive kən-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce constructive (audio)
: 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 departureHarvard Law Review
compare actual
constructively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on constructive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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