missive

noun

mis·​sive ˈmi-siv 

: a written communication : letter

wrote a lengthy missive to her father

Synonyms

• 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

The two conservatives running for governor of Massachusetts ramped up attacks this month on each other’s past work and credibility, including in dueling missives that paint different pictures of the race to become the Republican nominee for the state’s executive office. —Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald, 25 June 2025

In his missive, Olney made suggestions for how the Red Sox could rebuild the trust that has been lost in New England. —Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025

The texters have multiple objectives by sending seemingly harmless missives to your phone. —Kevin Williams, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025

One of Grant’s missives with the Dolphins is replacing defensive tackle Calais Campbell, the likely future Hall of Famer who departed for Arizona in free agency. —Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2025

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