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

The missive cites a slew of studies suggesting that AI software such as ChatGPT may atrophy critical thinking skills and creativity during the crucial developmental years of elementary and high school. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 24 June 2026

The missive was signed by more than fifty current and former members of the House of Lords, among them Nicholas Soames, a grandson of Churchill. — News Desk, Artforum, 23 June 2026

Levine’s missive comes amid an icy relationship with Hosseini, which has soured since the collapse of former University of Michigan President Santa Ono’s candidacy for the UF presidency. — Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026

Heuermann wrote back, but hasn’t responded to several follow-up missives from Jesperson, according to Toulon, who spoke to The Associated Press ahead of Heuermann’s sentencing Wednesday. — Philip Marcelo, Fortune, 15 June 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