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Definitions

formative

[fawr-muh-tiv] / ˈfɔr mə tɪv /
ADJECTIVE
influential, impressionable
Synonyms
Antonyms
WEAK
destructive noninfluential


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A major new TV drama about the formative years of The Beatles has started production in Germany and Liverpool.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

Divorce is a significant moment in the financial lives of splitting spouses, and it filters to their children who see it play out in their formative years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Fugard’s friendship — along with that of fellow Serpent Player Winston Ntshona — became among the most formative of Kani’s life.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

However, his formative years were spent far from Benin.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Natural objects have, for an Aristotelian, their own internal formative principles, while artificial objects are made according to a design imposed from outside.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton




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