Synonyms

transformative

American

[trans-fawr-muh-tiv] / trænsˈfɔr mə tɪv /

adjective

causing a radical and typically positive change in outlook, character, form, or condition: Voting is a culturally and socially transformative action.

It's difficult to put into words how transformative and enriching it is to study abroad.
Voting is a culturally and socially transformative action.

Other Word Forms

untransformative adjective

Etymology

Origin of transformative

First recorded in 1660–70; from Medieval Latin transformātīvus, equivalent to Latin transformāt-, stem of transformāre, + -īvus -ive ( def. ); transform ( def. )

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.

The board argued that the bank needed fresh leadership with skills more closely aligned with new challenges and a greater openness to dialogue to see through the transformative integration of Mediobanca.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

“These results represent a potentially transformative advance for patients and underscore daraxonrasib’s potential to redefine the treatment landscape,” CEO Mark A. Goldsmith said in a statement.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

Lenacapavir could be transformative, if people can get it.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Ofsted found pupils "thrive" at the "transformative" school, which inspectors said had a "highly ambitious and broad" curriculum, at an inspection in September 2024.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

Mercy is most empowering, liberating, and transformative when it is directed at the undeserving.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023