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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
Creating solutions to combat extreme heat is only going to become more imperative as temperatures increase, experts say. Simmone Shah, Time, 27 Aug. 2025 Crucially, given Dominic Solanke and Richarlison’s tendency to involve themselves in the build-up, having forwards running off the central strikers is imperative. Elias Burke, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
Noun
Mason often leads workshops, presentations, and internal training for large primes, targeting supplier diversity as both a moral and business imperative. Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025 The report showed that 77 percent view global brand building as a strategic imperative, and two-thirds are even willing to sacrifice some profit margin in favor of export growth. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for imperative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperative
Adjective
  • The Browns’ kicking woes go back to the summer of 2023, when incumbent Cade York failed just 16 months after being drafted in the fourth round.
    Zac Jackson, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • District 4 features a rematch of incumbent Renee Perkins Johnson and challenger Wil Russell.
    Josh Bergeron, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The first three have helped shape a new-look defence, which had been identified as a necessary area of improvement since last summer.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • From breezy wide-leg pants to tailored joggers, these fashion finds will keep you comfy and put-together from day to night and throughout your travels—no iron necessary.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Conversations about gun violence in Chicago can no longer focus solely on homicide and must be expanded to also integrate urgent matters of suicide prevention.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
  • This highlights the urgent need for organizations to prioritize employee well-being and create a more balanced, sustainable work culture.
    Clare Miller, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • IEPs set out guidelines for the special education the school will provide the child, specifying the specific accommodations, type of instruction, and behavioral plans that will be used to support the student.
    IndyStar, IndyStar, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Obiageli Orah, the director of public affairs and consumer protection at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, told Newsflare the passenger repeatedly failed to comply with safety instructions.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Might the thrill of their ambition congeal into something like obligation?
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • From their standpoint, divorce represents a breakdown not only of a personal relationship but of a social or even moral obligation.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Critically, this approach achieves the required resolution without the enormous deployment complexity of a 20-meter circular primary or the operational overhead of a starshade.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Though coverage for Wegovy (semaglutide) is generally better than for Zepbound this year, 88% of people getting Wegovy through their insurer still face hurdles, including prior authorization and required protocols in which cheaper treatments must be tried first prior to gaining access.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Gadsden State Community College and Chick-fil-A have teamed up to offer a training program that will equip participants with essential skills needed to land jobs in the restaurant and hospitality industry.
    Staff reports, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Replant Correct planting depth is essential when planting peony divisions.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Some people with antiphospholipid syndrome—a condition associated with the formation of blood clots—can experience chorea (involuntary muscle movements) or acute changes in cognition (one of my patients was diagnosed after becoming markedly confused).
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The first stage, the acute phase, happens shortly after the infection, and the second stage, the chronic phase, occurs over a longer period of time.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Imperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperative. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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