prescriptive
adjective
pre·scrip·tive
pri-ˈskrip-tiv 
1
: serving to prescribe
prescriptive rules of usage
2
: acquired by, founded on, or determined by prescription or by long-standing custom
prescriptively
adverb
Examples of prescriptive in a Sentence
Critics claim the new rules are too prescriptive.
even in this age of e-mail the prescriptive response to a wedding gift is a handwritten thank-you note
Recent Examples on the Web
The process is prescriptive, but the effect is liberating.
—
Emma Madden, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026
Today, geopolitical pressures and a more prescriptive regulatory environment—especially surrounding AI—have only entrenched the decision.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 24 Feb. 2026
The designer's favorite art pieces feel collected, considered, and personal rather than prescriptive.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026
The postpartum rebound, however, was much less prescriptive and more on their own terms.
—Kayla Blanton, Outside, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prescriptive
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Emma Madden, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026
Today, geopolitical pressures and a more prescriptive regulatory environment—especially surrounding AI—have only entrenched the decision.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 24 Feb. 2026
The designer's favorite art pieces feel collected, considered, and personal rather than prescriptive.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026
The postpartum rebound, however, was much less prescriptive and more on their own terms.
—Kayla Blanton, Outside, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prescriptive
Cite this Entry
“Prescriptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescriptive. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
prescriptive
adjective
pre·scrip·tive
pri-ˈskrip-tiv
1
: serving to prescribe
prescriptive rules
2
: acquired by, founded on, or constituting prescription
a prescriptive right
a longer prescriptive period
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