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
In striving for global AI leadership, the United States must carefully balance the need to mitigate national security risks with the imperative to bring innovative U.S. technology to other parts of the world.
—
Owen J. Daniels, Foreign Affairs, 25 July 2025
For some classic car enthusiasts, the imperative is preservation.
—Sacbee.com, 20 July 2025
Fun was the imperative for us the whole way through.
—Megan McCluskey, Time, 18 July 2025
For pharma executives, the imperative is to partner boldly and measure relentlessly.
—Sindhya Valloppillil, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for the imperative
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Owen J. Daniels, Foreign Affairs, 25 July 2025
For some classic car enthusiasts, the imperative is preservation.
—Sacbee.com, 20 July 2025
Fun was the imperative for us the whole way through.
—Megan McCluskey, Time, 18 July 2025
For pharma executives, the imperative is to partner boldly and measure relentlessly.
—Sindhya Valloppillil, Forbes.com, 17 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 14 Aug. 2025.
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