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.
Repeating this argument for more than four waves reveals that there are many more possibilities for destructive than for constructive interference. — Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 The complaint accuses the defendants of financial elder abuse, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, constructive fraud and conversion. — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 That’s according to executive coach Stacy Kim, who says there’s a difference between destructive envy and a more constructive response that helps people learn from others. — Harvard Business Review, 20 Oct. 2026 The successful applicant must also be willing to wear a hospital gown, memorize scripts, improvise dialogue and provide medical students with constructive feedback on their professionalism. — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Constructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constructive. Accessed 27 Oct. 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
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