constructive
adjective
con·struc·tive
| \ kən-ˈstrək-tiv
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Definition of constructive
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
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Synonyms & Antonyms for constructive
Synonyms
Antonyms
nonconstructive, nonproductive, unproductive
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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web
This is why understanding the constructive, creative mechanisms of perception has an unexpected social relevance. — Anil K. Seth, Scientific American, "The Neuroscience of Reality," 27 Aug. 2019 Hopefully, this exercise will slightly alter the connection weights and thresholds of some of your neurons in constructive ways! — Quanta Magazine, "How to Win at Deep Learning," 9 Oct. 2017 What's more, the WGA is suing CAA, WME, UTA and ICM for breach of fiduciary duty, constructive fraud and unfair competition as a result of alleged conflicts of interest over the practice of taking packaging fees. — Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, "Agencies Sitting Out Emmy Parties Amid WGA-ATA Fight," 14 Aug. 2019 While the city continues with modest investments in on-street cycling infrastructure, the Austrian capital really stands out from the pack through innovative and constructive communication efforts and policy. — Copenhagenize Design Co., WIRED, "The 20 Most Bike-Friendly Cities on the Planet, Ranked," 27 June 2019 The public gave constructive feedback and proposed alternatives, but Caltrain staff seemed uninterested in accepting any public input at those meetings. — Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, "Letter: Bike-car decision bad for Caltrain and the Bay Area," 11 June 2019 Luckily, Nwora and Enoch are armed with constructive feedback collected from NBA teams, advice that will go a long way in helping them improve for the Cardinals next season. — Danielle Lerner, The Courier-Journal, "Jordan Nwora and Steven Enoch got some feedback from the NBA, and these are their takeaways," 5 June 2019 Panelists will have the opportunity to evaluate student presentations and offer constructive feedback. — Laura Groch, sandiegouniontribune.com, "North County School News, May 17," 17 May 2018 These amazing kids thrive on positive attention, encouragement, and constructive feedback. — Boys & Girls Aid / Community Content Partner, OregonLive.com, "A Home of Her Own: Marissa, 9, is a true performer!," 27 Apr. 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'constructive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for constructive
constructive
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of constructive
: helping to develop or improve something : helpful to someone instead of upsetting and negative
See the full definition for constructive in the English Language Learners Dictionary
constructive
adjective
con·struc·tive
| \ kən-ˈstrək-tiv
\
\
Kids Definition of constructive
: helping to develop or improve something
constructive criticism
constructive
adjective
con·struc·tive
| \ kən-ˈstrək-tiv
\
\
Legal Definition of constructive
: 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
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