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

Take, for example, today’s Gucci show, Demna’s latest missive from the storied Italian luxury label. — Max Berlinger, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026

Clocking in at a meager 130 words, the statement was even shorter than July’s, which was 166 words, and was tied with the June missive. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026

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

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