the imperative
noun
grammar
: the form that a verb or sentence has when it is expressing a command
"Eat your spinach!" is in the imperative.
Examples of the imperative in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
And so, as this deluge of data overwhelms us with such velocity, the imperative is ensuring that decisions are well-informed by precise, whole and transparent evidence.
—
Anna Forsythe, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
In this context, the Ukrainians protesting the July law were driven less by the imperative of fighting corruption than about marking the limits of governmental power.
—Nataliya Gumenyuk, Foreign Affairs, 29 Aug. 2025
As Quarter Day approaches, Isaac Grant sends Henry and Arch out to collect rents with the imperative that each tenant pay a shilling more than normal, just because.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 22 Aug. 2025
For some classic car enthusiasts, the imperative is preservation.
—Sacbee.com, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for the imperative
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Anna Forsythe, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
In this context, the Ukrainians protesting the July law were driven less by the imperative of fighting corruption than about marking the limits of governmental power.
—Nataliya Gumenyuk, Foreign Affairs, 29 Aug. 2025
As Quarter Day approaches, Isaac Grant sends Henry and Arch out to collect rents with the imperative that each tenant pay a shilling more than normal, just because.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 22 Aug. 2025
For some classic car enthusiasts, the imperative is preservation.
—Sacbee.com, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for the imperative
Cite this Entry
“The imperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20imperative. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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