constructive

adjective

con·​struc·​tive kən-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce constructive (audio)
Synonyms of constructive
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

Synonyms of constructive

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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
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.
The weekly cloud model is also constructive and should bolster price in the coming weeks. — Katie Stockton, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 The second was that whatever happened in the room stayed in the room, with candor, questions, and constructive debate. — Melissa Daimler, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 As for the most recent incident, Gabela said Corben has been provoking him for months and that Corben’s actions at public meetings are disruptive rather than constructive. — Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026 Surfacing bridging content that spans political lines while speaking to what the user values could be a promising direction for fostering both user autonomy and constructive conversation. — Farnaz Jahanbakhsh, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for constructive

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of constructive was in 1630

Rhymes for constructive

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Browse Nearby Words

construction wrench
constructive
constructive catabolism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Constructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constructive. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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 departure—Harvard Law Review
compare actual
constructively adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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