1
as in incumbent
forcing one's compliance or participation by or as if by law
reporting signs of physical abuse is now an imperative duty for hospital and school personnel
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in necessary
impossible to do without
proper equipment is imperative for the success of this chemical experiment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in urgent
needing immediate attention
an imperative need for medical supplies in the earthquake-ravaged country
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in instruction
a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned
a secretary of defense who was fond of issuing harshly worded imperatives
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obligation
something one must do because of prior agreement
although he had little taste for the social imperatives that come with being governor, he put on a brave face
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of imperative
Nikos Lemanis, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
On Wednesday, two sources confirmed Darcy’s reporting to Vulture, saying multiple WBD division leaders had now told their teams to halt any travel that’s not imperative, rein in overtime spending, and freeze nonessential expense-account spending.
—Josef Adalian, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025
Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025
Now, they’re left with that nine-year drought, a fan base that is running out of patience, and an imperative to not repeat this all next season.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for imperative
Adjective
There are many reasons why such an adjustment will be difficult to implement, but the change in B2B buyer behavior suggests that a reassessment is imperative.
—Nikos Lemanis, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
On Wednesday, two sources confirmed Darcy’s reporting to Vulture, saying multiple WBD division leaders had now told their teams to halt any travel that’s not imperative, rein in overtime spending, and freeze nonessential expense-account spending.
—Josef Adalian, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
Short wars are fought with whatever resources are available at the time; long wars require the development of capabilities that are geared to changing operational imperatives, as demonstrated by the continual transformation of drone warfare in Ukraine.
—Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025
Now, they’re left with that nine-year drought, a fan base that is running out of patience, and an imperative to not repeat this all next season.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for imperative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperative
Adjective
-
Democrats have made some inroads in North Carolina, with past Gov. Roy Cooper reportedly weighing a Senate challenge against vulnerable incumbent Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC).—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Last year’s starting left tackle, Brandon Coleman, and incumbent Andrew Wylie could compete for the right tackle role.—
Ben Standig,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Though this is promising, additional evidence is necessary to confirm the potential role peptides may play in protection against sun damage.13 3.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
25 Apr. 2025
-
During a 2020 heat wave, California’s grid operator was forced to institute rotating outages, a necessary step to protect the grid in California and neighboring states.—
Michael Wara,
Mercury News,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
That is the urgent story that authors Allen and Parnes ignored.—
Bruce Fein,
Baltimore Sun,
1 May 2025
-
As the exhibition illustrated, Pan-Africanism also corresponded with urgent anti-colonial, anti-apartheid, and civil rights movements worldwide.—
Delinda Collier,
Artforum,
1 May 2025
Noun
-
Instead of traditional teachers, Alpha employs guides who focus on coaching and emotional support, while AI handles the academic instruction.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2025
-
Her original post had included a link to a website that provided instructions for buying the tokens.—
Mary Clements Evans,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Noun
-
Is disaster relief a federal obligation, a collective insurance policy for the nation?—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
The masters of ballyhoo chopped it up on the delicate handling of awards campaigns, the elusiveness of Gen Z consumers and how marketing around blockbusters and franchises is now a year-round obligation to keep fans engaged and interested.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
White children also had fewer days from termination of parental rights to adoption finalization, a required step in the adoption process, with an average time of 273.5 days.—
Cheyanne M. Daniels,
The Hill,
24 Apr. 2025
-
The Heat assert Pena hasn’t used the marks at issue in commerce, a required step under trademark law.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Now, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is emerging as its essential companion.—
John Werner,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
The group called on the FAA to suspend some nearby helicopter routes with limited exceptions for essential military or medical emergencies.—
David Shepardson,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
Adjective
-
With acute stress, a rapid spike in the hormone typically helps your brain process and retain memories so they can be retrieved later.—
Alisa Hrustic,
SELF,
1 May 2025
-
Museums are imperiled by acute financial, social, and ideological challenges.—
Eric Crosby,
Artforum,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Imperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperative. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
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