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
Clement understands as well as anyone the shortcomings of Big Law—and the imperative of defending it.
—
Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2025
Klein and Thompson have written their book for Americans whose politics are left of center, but their assessment of government and the imperative for technological innovation would appeal to others, as well.
—Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Therefore, the imperative for corporate action is clear.
—Romain Pison, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Trump said the imperative was to come up with a peace deal between the two Eastern European countries and end the nearly three-year war.
—Filip Timotija, The Hill, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the imperative
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Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2025
Klein and Thompson have written their book for Americans whose politics are left of center, but their assessment of government and the imperative for technological innovation would appeal to others, as well.
—Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Therefore, the imperative for corporate action is clear.
—Romain Pison, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Trump said the imperative was to come up with a peace deal between the two Eastern European countries and end the nearly three-year war.
—Filip Timotija, The Hill, 13 Feb. 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 3 May. 2025.
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