as in creative
having a role in deciding something's final form
a teacher who was a formative influence on generations of students
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Recent Examples of formative
His show was so formative for many that he was satirized by Eddie Murphy on Saturday Night Live.
—
Makena Gera, People.com, 27 Feb. 2025
All that experience meant living out of suitcases, a formative experience for a child.
—Matt Yan, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
Taurasi carried a cool quotient that the WNBA needed in its formative years.
—Sean Gregory, TIME, 25 Feb. 2025
The guitarist, already a deity among Steely Dan and Doobie Brothers fans for formative stints with both bands, considers his life as a studio musician similar to to a craftsman who has the tools to construct whatever is needed.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formative
Makena Gera, People.com, 27 Feb. 2025
All that experience meant living out of suitcases, a formative experience for a child.
—Matt Yan, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
Taurasi carried a cool quotient that the WNBA needed in its formative years.
—Sean Gregory, TIME, 25 Feb. 2025
The guitarist, already a deity among Steely Dan and Doobie Brothers fans for formative stints with both bands, considers his life as a studio musician similar to to a craftsman who has the tools to construct whatever is needed.
—Devon Ivie, Vulture, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formative
Adjective
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Brett Alan Nelson, Doja Cat’s stylist and creative director is behind this brilliant look.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
3 Mar. 2025
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Proceeds from the show go toward the British Phonographic Industry charitable branch, BRIT Trust, which focuses on improving lives through music and the creative arts.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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By embracing a mindset that views conflict as a springboard for innovation and by adopting behaviors that facilitate respectful and productive collaboration, teams can transform potential discord into powerful synergy.—
Anna Barnhill,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
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Antetokounmpo has five double-doubles and one triple-double over his last seven contests, a span in which he's been one of the most productive players in the league with averages of 28.8 points, 13.1 rebounds and 6.7 assists per contest.—
William Lambers,
Newsweek,
9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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If there isn't any, replace the thought with something constructive.—
Dr. Michelle Penelope King,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
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Let a song, book, movie, hobby, or craft transport you away from the fear and hate and to a positive, creative, constructive mindset.—
Chris John Amorosino,
Hartford Courant,
4 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formative. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.
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