constitutive

adjective

ˈkän(t)-stə-ˌtü-tiv How to pronounce constitutive (audio)
Definition of constitutivenext
as in intrinsic
being a part of the innermost nature of a person or thing the proposition that liberty and justice are constitutive elements of an enlightened society

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Example Sentences

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 constitutive But the sea also surges through Tennyson’s poetry in a completely different way, although one equally constitutive of his genius. — Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026 What the poem’s constitutive range of modal verbs exemplify is a mode of poetic questioning. — Elaine L. Wang september 11, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025 Obviously, this dialectic has been constitutive of Gabriel Orozco’s work from the very beginning and determines it to this very day. — Benjamin H. D. Buchloh, Artforum, 1 June 2025 The globalist gaze on the world identified both interconnectedness and diversity as the constitutive elements of the post-war era. — Or Rosenboim, Foreign Affairs, 10 July 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constitutive
  1. intrinsic
  2. inherent
  3. integral
  4. essential
  5. constitutional
Adjective
  • This allowed the team to link the performance difference to the intrinsic properties of the molecules rather than the amount of available surface.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026
  • In its proxy statement, Oracle told investors the fact that Ellison and the co-CEOs’ options had no intrinsic value means the plan is working as intended.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of intrinsic
Adjective
  • In the end, George Bailey’s inherent goodness isn’t enough to save the world.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Turnover rates are often symptoms of larger structural challenges, some of which are inherent to trade work, the State of Skilled Trades report found.
    — Itzel Franco, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of inherent
Adjective
  • As a French overseas territory and integral part of the European Union, the 436-square-mile island has traditionally relied heavily on exports to Europe, particularly rum and bananas, alongside tourism.
    — Panorama Media Ltd, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Human oversight was integral throughout, both to validate the computational approach and to guide deeper qualitative analysis.
    — Justin Chen, STAT, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of integral
Adjective
  • The brand believes that allowing attendees to see, touch and fully appreciate the craftsmanship, materials and details of the garments is essential to convey the full value of the collection.
    — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026
  • For community associations and other property owners, maintaining safe conditions to avoid injuries is essential to satisfying their duty and minimizing exposure to potentially severe financial and legal liabilities.
    — Christyne D. Santisteban, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of essential
Adjective
  • Livia’s unease informs her skepticism of politics; in linking the two, Kingsolver conflates class and culture, using the former as an excuse for what really just seems to be Livia’s constitutional conservatism.
    — Sam Worley, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The midterm election has arrived in Florida, bringing with it clashes for governor, Congress and the state Legislature, consequential constitutional amendments and local races and referenda.
    — Miami Herald staff, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of constitutional

Browse Nearby Words

constitutions
constitutive
constrain
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Cite this Entry

“Constitutive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constitutive. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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