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
For Christine’s and my generation in particular, the experience of having gone through the AIDS epidemic and the AIDS crisis was very formative.
—
Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Feb. 2025
Further research can help untangle the complex relationship between external stressors, media consumption and youth well-being, shedding light on how to best support adolescents during this formative stage of life.
—Yalda T. Uhls, The Conversation, 30 Jan. 2025
All the places where my formative memories happened are gone.
—Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 27 Jan. 2025
Almost every comic who came after Radner—and certainly the ones who wound up on Saturday Night Live—counts her as a formative influence.
—Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formative
Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Feb. 2025
Further research can help untangle the complex relationship between external stressors, media consumption and youth well-being, shedding light on how to best support adolescents during this formative stage of life.
—Yalda T. Uhls, The Conversation, 30 Jan. 2025
All the places where my formative memories happened are gone.
—Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 27 Jan. 2025
Almost every comic who came after Radner—and certainly the ones who wound up on Saturday Night Live—counts her as a formative influence.
—Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 15 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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Manolo Blahnik Chiltern sandals, $675 Naomi Rougeau Naomi Rougeau is a writer, editor, and creative consultant, who, despite being based in New York for more than a decade, keeps one cowboy boot firmly planted in her native Texas.—
Naomi Rougeau,
Robb Report,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Despite the heated back-and-forth, Ward said she wouldn't be opposed to returning to the podcast to discuss everything in a productive manner.—
Christina Dugan Ramirez,
Fox News,
26 Feb. 2025
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What’s left is a group of productive and overlooked players who seem to be peaking at the right time.—
Eric Wong,
The Athletic,
26 Feb. 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 12 Mar. 2025.
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