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
This simple shift helped reframe the conversation, reducing emotional intensity and creating space for constructive dialogue.
—
Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.
—Jackie Valley, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Jan. 2025
If the yield curve is above the zero divide the economy is viewed to be recovering and in a constructive position.
—Todd Gordon, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2025
The modern model: A divided system The U.S. began shifting from this relatively constructive give-and-take among the founders in the late 1820s.
—Peter Kastor, The Conversation, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for constructive 
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Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.
—Jackie Valley, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Jan. 2025
If the yield curve is above the zero divide the economy is viewed to be recovering and in a constructive position.
—Todd Gordon, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2025
The modern model: A divided system The U.S. began shifting from this relatively constructive give-and-take among the founders in the late 1820s.
—Peter Kastor, The Conversation, 13 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for constructive
Dictionary Entries Near constructive
Cite this Entry
“Constructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constructive. Accessed 19 Jan. 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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