imperative 1 of 2

1
2
3

imperative

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word imperative distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of imperative are domineering, imperious, masterful, and peremptory. While all these words mean "tending to impose one's will on others," imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate.

an imperative appeal for assistance

When would domineering be a good substitute for imperative?

The meanings of domineering and imperative largely overlap; however, domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will.

children controlled by domineering parents

When is imperious a more appropriate choice than imperative?

While the synonyms imperious and imperative are close in meaning, imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance.

an imperious executive used to getting his own way

When might masterful be a better fit than imperative?

Although the words masterful and imperative have much in common, masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively.

her masterful personality soon dominated the movement

When is it sensible to use peremptory instead of imperative?

While in some cases nearly identical to imperative, peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent.

given a peremptory dismissal

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of imperative
Adjective
Significant change of some variety seems imperative. Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025 Underscoring the probable causes of heart attacks for women is imperative, as research has historically understudied women in medical trials—even those on heart health, despite heart disease being the leading killer of women. Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
Parent-friendly policies build a supportive culture for all From an employment law perspective, Kelsey Szamet, a partner at Kingsley Szamet Employment Lawyers, sees parental support as both a legal and business imperative. Alora Bopray, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025 Better aligning patents with genuine innovation is not just a legal concern but a public health imperative. Lucy Xiaolu Wang, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for imperative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperative
Adjective
  • Fabiana Ecclestone has already declared for incumbent president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
  • While Doncic, Reaves and Ayton had been viewed as locks for the first unit, and Hachimura was an incumbent starter from last year’s team and finished the 2023-24 season as a starter too, the inclusion of Vincent in the first unit in light of James’ absence was the biggest surprise.
    Khobi Price, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Some experts say these swipe fees are necessary for merchants to maintain the advantages of accepting cards.
    Gordon Ebanks, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The key issue is how all seven Basin States will share in the cuts necessary to live with less water.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Streamlining communication and clearly denoting important or urgent information can go a long way in helping families navigate a sea of information.
    Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2025
  • And before any of that, there’s a more urgent challenge — getting food and medicine to the people in Gaza.
    NPR, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Max was in the tender while Christian and Tessa worked the connecting lines according to Nathan’s careful instructions.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Some blankets can be used on a couch or bed, but many require a hard, flat surface—always follow your model’s instructions.
    Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In generic financial crises, that often appear quite suddenly, many individuals, businesses or governments cannot meet their financial obligations, whether payments of interest or principal on loans or simply paying for goods purchased or even wages due.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Casting is clearly a challenge for Panahi’s movies, which are shot without permits in direct violation of the law (bypassing the obligation to submit his scripts to the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance for approval).
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The required curriculum and practicum hours not only prepare the graduates to serve preschool through 12th-grade students, but their families, as well.
    Jenelyn Russo, Oc Register, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Going forward, Boeing and FAA inspectors will take turns performing the required pre-flight safety checks.
    Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Such knowledge is essential for designing safer storage strategies for nuclear and industrial waste in the coming centuries.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Given that the host cities for next year’s World Cup stretch from Vancouver to Mexico City, adapting to different climates will be essential.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite highly unusual aid from our nation, an acute crunch including a devaluation of Argentina’s currency and a 10th default on its debt is very possible.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025
  • In Russia, this problem was especially acute.
    Julia Ioffe, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Imperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperative. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on imperative

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!