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
With investment accelerating across industries, the imperative is clear: integrate AI agents into core workflows now, or risk falling behind.
—
Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Beyond changes in personnel, another force has worked to suppress the EU’s regulatory prowess: the imperative of competitiveness.
—Anu Bradford, Foreign Affairs, 21 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for the imperative
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Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Beyond changes in personnel, another force has worked to suppress the EU’s regulatory prowess: the imperative of competitiveness.
—Anu Bradford, Foreign Affairs, 21 Apr. 2025
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
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 13 May. 2025.
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