FORMATIVE Synonyms: 9 Similar and Opposite Words

formative

adjective

ˈfȯr-mə-tiv

Definition of formative

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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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of formative The collection explores the band’s formative years through recordings spanning country, folk, punk, reggae, rock and soul, with contributions from Al Kooper, Leon Russell, Jim Gordon and Emory Gordy, among others. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 13 Oct. 2026 Octavius Catto spent his formative years and subsequently launched his career as a public servant in Philadelphia. — Timothy Welbeck, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2026 The stoneware dishes, with their childlike design, candy-colored glazes, and divided compartments, might jog formative memories of Montessori sorting trays or vintage TV dinners. — Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026 That’s a big reference for us, just a formative show for the genre. — Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for formative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for formative

Adjective

The creative team is currently developing the treatment and preparing to engage potential partners about the longer version.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
The Fairchilds said Jeffrey, who would be 57 in December, was intelligent, well-read and had a great sense of humor, with a passion for creative writing.

— Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of creative

Adjective

That shift gives educators a productive frame for parent conferences and classroom conversations about digital wellness.

— Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
Before playing for Mario Cristobal, the wide receiver attended Tulane for three years, with his productive 2024 season garnering enough attention that landed him a spot at Miami.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of productive

Adjective

The United States needs to revive its powers of attraction and treat its neighbors with respect to restore and expand a constructive continental partnership.

— Robert B. Zoellick, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2026
The hope for all in the paddock will be for constructive efforts to ensure any similar events are prevented in the future.

— Luke Smith, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of constructive

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formations

formative

formats

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“Formative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formative. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of formative

adjective

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