missive

noun

mis·​sive ˈmi-siv 

: a written communication : letter

wrote a lengthy missive to her father

Synonyms of missive

• letter
• epistle

Examples of missive in a Sentence

She received yet another lengthy missive from her father.

the two old friends like to fire off missives filled with good-natured teasing and mock insults

Recent Examples on the Web

Lloyd Webber’s latest missive drew both praise and brickbats from commenters and Instagram followers. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 15 July 2026

The writers guild’s missive creates a second line of attack against tech scion David Ellison’s industry-reshaping deal. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

The dashing soldier’s missives weren’t coming from Syria; they were being sent from Lagos, Nigeria. — Mackenzie Farkus, Christian Science Monitor, 13 July 2026

According to a Lake Havasu City Police incident report, obtained by TMZ and other outlets, officers discovered the handwritten missive tucked in a black basket in a bathroom closet not far from where Sheets’ body was found. — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 10 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle French lettre missive, literally, letter intended to be sent

First Known Use

circa 1553, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for missive

• derisive
• dismissive
• emissive
• permissive
• submissive
• transmissive

Kids Definition

missive

noun

mis·​sive ˈmis-iv 

: letter entry 1 sense 2, message