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
Celebrate wins and provide constructive feedback when needed.
—
Glenn Llopis, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Yet to suggest that the Supreme Court did not go far enough, fast enough in galvanizing racially constructive change in American schools after Brown is one thing.
—Justin Driver, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2025
Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.
—Alfredo Sosa, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Mar. 2025
Niebuhr believed that while the highest moral achievements could be attained only by individuals, constructive social change was possible only by working together for justice.
—Scott Paeth, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constructive
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Glenn Llopis, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Yet to suggest that the Supreme Court did not go far enough, fast enough in galvanizing racially constructive change in American schools after Brown is one thing.
—Justin Driver, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2025
Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.
—Alfredo Sosa, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Mar. 2025
Niebuhr believed that while the highest moral achievements could be attained only by individuals, constructive social change was possible only by working together for justice.
—Scott Paeth, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 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 24 Mar. 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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