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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of formative
Developing a negative self-view as a result of these harmful experiences during your formative years is not uncommon.
—
Christina Balderrama-Durbin,
The Conversation,
22 June 2026
Good Morning, Miss Bliss predates the Disney Channel Original Series moniker, but the show remains a formative original show on the network.
—
Christian Holub,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 June 2026
That was a very formative experience for me.
—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 June 2026
Those reality checks are regularly referenced as formative stepping stones for all-time greats who went on to win four championships apiece.
—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
14 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for formative
Christina Balderrama-Durbin,
The Conversation,
22 June 2026
Good Morning, Miss Bliss predates the Disney Channel Original Series moniker, but the show remains a formative original show on the network.
—
Christian Holub,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 June 2026
That was a very formative experience for me.
—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 June 2026
Those reality checks are regularly referenced as formative stepping stones for all-time greats who went on to win four championships apiece.
—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
14 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for formative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formative
Adjective
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In her new memoir Famesick, Dunham wrote a message to Swift, saying much of the book's creative process was soundtracked by her music.
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Their wedding ceremony looks were created by Christian Dior Haute Couture, designed by creative director Jonathan Anderson.
Adjective
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Trying to rototill around the shrub to loosen the soil is seldom productive and can damage both your rototiller and surrounding plants.
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These behaviors make having a productive discussion or peaceable relationship untenable.
Adjective
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Love is the capacity to hold difference without fragmentation, to bring parts into relationship without erasing their uniqueness and to align intelligence with constructive becoming.
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Trade timing & outlook EBAY has been building a constructive base above the $105 support level after a sharp move higher earlier this year.
Cite this Entry
“Formative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formative. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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