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 Sherwood Forest Zine Library occupies an Austin living room, and includes dozens and dozens of print missives on everything from capitalism to magick. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2026

On the surface, Guidara’s 2022 book Unreasonable Hospitality is a missive on the power of exceeding guests’ expectations. — Adam Reiner, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Sep. 2026

The recipient simply enters the password to see your important missive. — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

A couple days ago, as the media frenzy continued, Wolff decided to release full letters that Harp had sent to Trump during his last Presidential campaign, missives that had reportedly alarmed the Secret Service. — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 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