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

In many cases, Blumenthal’s missives were repeats of his previous requests for information. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2026

Below, find missives on Nicki Minaj’s Gucci skirt suit by Demna—which was not provided to her by the brand—and the old style trick the Dems have adopted to appeal to us common folk. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026

The Library of Congress has just acquired a missive from Martha Washington that speaks of her daughter’s fatal battle with seizures. — Michael E. Ruane, Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2026

The prime minister and his supporters, for their part, have brushed off these missives. — Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 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