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
There are ways that Turkey can play a more constructive role.
—
Natasha Hall, Foreign Affairs, 27 May 2025
Log in Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.
—Ira Porter, Christian Science Monitor, 23 May 2025
Others on Reddit have been in similar boats, and are coming with constructive advice.
—Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 23 May 2025
Mehta also noted that CVX remains constructive on the operating outlook in the Gulf of Mexico and expects to increase production in the region to 300,000 boe/d in 2026.
—Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for constructive
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Natasha Hall, Foreign Affairs, 27 May 2025
Log in Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.
—Ira Porter, Christian Science Monitor, 23 May 2025
Others on Reddit have been in similar boats, and are coming with constructive advice.
—Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 23 May 2025
Mehta also noted that CVX remains constructive on the operating outlook in the Gulf of Mexico and expects to increase production in the region to 300,000 boe/d in 2026.
—Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 18 May 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 4 Jun. 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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