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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Recent Examples of constitutive
After his beginnings at Modern Collections, Philbrick delved into corrupt financial machinations, enabled and empowered by the secrecy and instability that are constitutive features of the contemporary-art market.
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Rosa Lyster, The New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2024
That could require a new constitutive assembly, with a mission, charter, and political program that speaks to all Palestinians and eschews the stale language of the old PLO, a discourse imbued with the spirit of the mid-twentieth century but with no currency in the twenty-first.
—Hussein Agha, Foreign Affairs, 16 Feb. 2021
Serge’s simultaneous ambivalence about the status of the individual and sympathetic investment in individuals (and his keen eye for particulars) provides the constitutive tension of his best fiction.
—Ben Lerner, The New York Review of Books, 29 Dec. 2022
Neoliberals’ constitutive disenfranchisement of voters and all those without a foothold in the asset economy is very much still with us.
—Aaron Timms, The New Republic, 31 Oct. 2022
But in Meacham’s treatment, such personal details function as supporting pieces in a story designed around high-stakes campaign speeches, the constitutive ritual of inaugurations and grave moments of statesmanship.
—John Fabian Witt, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2022
And both suggest that the impulse to cheat, cut corners and get over on chumps, if not inflict harm upon them outright, is far from some aberrant pathology in the American identity but rather a constitutive force.
—New York Times, 9 Feb. 2022
The argument that something like PTSD existed prior to industrialization must be sustained with evidence of symptoms constitutive of the modern definition.
—Will Self, Harper's Magazine, 23 Nov. 2021
White supremacy has always been a constitutive piece of American national identity, but it cannot be openly claimed in a nation also founded on belief in democracy and freedom.
—Alex Shephard, The New Republic, 11 Aug. 2021
Rosa Lyster, The New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2024
That could require a new constitutive assembly, with a mission, charter, and political program that speaks to all Palestinians and eschews the stale language of the old PLO, a discourse imbued with the spirit of the mid-twentieth century but with no currency in the twenty-first.
—Hussein Agha, Foreign Affairs, 16 Feb. 2021
Serge’s simultaneous ambivalence about the status of the individual and sympathetic investment in individuals (and his keen eye for particulars) provides the constitutive tension of his best fiction.
—Ben Lerner, The New York Review of Books, 29 Dec. 2022
Neoliberals’ constitutive disenfranchisement of voters and all those without a foothold in the asset economy is very much still with us.
—Aaron Timms, The New Republic, 31 Oct. 2022
But in Meacham’s treatment, such personal details function as supporting pieces in a story designed around high-stakes campaign speeches, the constitutive ritual of inaugurations and grave moments of statesmanship.
—John Fabian Witt, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2022
And both suggest that the impulse to cheat, cut corners and get over on chumps, if not inflict harm upon them outright, is far from some aberrant pathology in the American identity but rather a constitutive force.
—New York Times, 9 Feb. 2022
The argument that something like PTSD existed prior to industrialization must be sustained with evidence of symptoms constitutive of the modern definition.
—Will Self, Harper's Magazine, 23 Nov. 2021
White supremacy has always been a constitutive piece of American national identity, but it cannot be openly claimed in a nation also founded on belief in democracy and freedom.
—Alex Shephard, The New Republic, 11 Aug. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constitutive
Adjective
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This slow but steady loss is driven by both intrinsic aging and external stressors.Eva Crouse, Flow Space, 6 Jan. 2025
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Some will argue that comparing bitcoin to gold isn’t fair since the latter is a physical asset that does have intrinsic value from its use in numerous technology products, including semiconductors, and other industrial applications.Taesik Yoon, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Flaws, dysfunctions, and injustices are inherent in democratic government.Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 2025
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That said, Motorola Solutions’ financial stability is underpinned by its robust cash flows, high customer retention rates, and the inherent resilience of its business model.Trefis Team, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Art Galore Outdoor Public Art Throughout the district, art is integral to telling the stories rooted in history of the region.Jeanine Barone, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
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Its plan is integral to Central Valley communities’ plans to reinvigorate business districts and boost economic growth.Colleen Shalby, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Vogue Daily newsletter Get essential fashion, style, and tips, in your inbox.Emma Specter, Vogue, 16 Jan. 2025
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For Orr, ensuring a company's stock price aligns with its true value is essential for protecting its reputation and ensuring long-term success.Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near constitutive
Cite this Entry
“Constitutive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constitutive. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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