constructive

1 of 2

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

constructiveness

2 of 2

noun

con·​struc·​tive·​ness
kən-ˈstrək-tiv-nəs
plural -es
: the quality or state of being constructive

Synonyms of constructive

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Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of constructive in a Sentence

Adjective 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.
Adjective
Asked about the recent visit by CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Moscow, Putin suggested Ratcliffe’s contacts with Russian intelligence officials were constructive, without letting slip any new details. — Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026 The success of this trial was possible through the close and constructive cooperation between the participating German Air Force organisations, the exercise management team and the expert teams from Rheinmetall Air Defence and Hensoldt. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026 Nonprofit boards offer opportunities to practice governance, strategic thinking, constructive questioning, and greater accountability. — Melissa A. Wheeler, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 As fun as Oreogate is, the more constructive move here might not be starting a group chat and writing teachers. — Sarah Scott, Parents, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for constructive

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of constructive was in 1630

Rhymes for constructive

See All Rhymes for constructive

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 4 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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