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
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Adjective
Instead of being a workspace designed to meet production goals, Bureau was a display of time spent thinking, both listless and constructive, rather than a final result. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 27 Oct. 2026 That can create tension, but tension can be constructive and does not automatically mean conflict. — Jc Gaillard, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Her live performances blurred the lines between theater, church, and concert hall, creating a new artistic space where sound, dance, and oration meet in a constructive arrangement. — Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026 To be sure, others on the Street were more constructive on Tesla's results. — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 22 Oct. 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 30 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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