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
The Panthella indicates some formative design knowledge straightaway—a cult-favorite and bestseller for its unique, curved shape and bright color profiles.
—
Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 6 Jan. 2026
The Ubuntu experience had been formative in unexpected ways.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 29 Dec. 2025
That was followed by a stay in the Memphis apartment where Elvis Presley spent his formative teenage years.
—Zoey Goto, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 2025
But many of us carry old wounds from our childhood, previous relationships, or formative experiences.
—Dr. Amy Tran, CNBC, 25 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formative
Adjective
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The Town will shift its focus toward fresh, creative ways to celebrate Addison's incredible culinary scene.—
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Always ready for fun, Rose enjoys laughing, moving and finding creative ways to express herself.—
Adjective
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In December the Lamont administration distributed the last of its 2025 brownfields grants, which will help bring 16 properties on more than 200 acres back into productive use, said Matthew Pugliese, deputy commissioner of state economic and community development.—
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Being polite about the topic at hand will help your conversations stay productive.—
Adjective
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This current setup could be constructive for financials.—
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The emission intensity is much stronger than the individual components due to constructive interference.—
Cite this Entry
“Formative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formative. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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