missive

noun

mis·​sive ˈmi-siv How to pronounce missive (audio)
Synonyms of missivenext
: a written communication : letter
wrote a lengthy missive to her father

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That’s not enough, the MPA said in its latest missive. Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 20 Feb. 2026 Monday’s missive was the second to reference multiple kidnappers and a possible international component, TMZ noted. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 16 Feb. 2026 The missive was viewed by Deadline. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 15 Feb. 2026 The missive comes as Florida enforces a sweeping ban on gender-affirming care for minors and dismantles traditional accreditation requirements for lawyers and universities. Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for missive

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1553, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of missive was circa 1553

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Missive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/missive. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

missive

noun
mis·​sive ˈmis-iv How to pronounce missive (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on missive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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