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
Find that ‘challenge network,’ who won’t just be the echo chamber, but will be those that question you in a constructive way.
—
Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Cutler also underlined the potential value of the world's two largest economies holding constructive talks.
—Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 15 May 2026
Disney remain in constructive discussions with CIISA, Deadline understands.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 14 May 2026
Of the constructive feedback that The Athletic received in asking about Gold, several of our respondents noted that the Bruins’ AHL development track record during Gold’s tenure is lacking.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for constructive
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Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Cutler also underlined the potential value of the world's two largest economies holding constructive talks.
—Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 15 May 2026
Disney remain in constructive discussions with CIISA, Deadline understands.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 14 May 2026
Of the constructive feedback that The Athletic received in asking about Gold, several of our respondents noted that the Bruins’ AHL development track record during Gold’s tenure is lacking.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for constructive
Cite this Entry
“Constructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constructive. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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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