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
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
Claire Gallam, Travel + Leisure, 22 Feb. 2026
But because cancer is one of the leading causes of death for our companion animals, detecting cancer early and finding treatments is imperative.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 19 Feb. 2026
Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2026
Despite several high-profile breaches over the past year, many organizations still treat cybersecurity as a compliance requirement rather than an operational imperative.
—Don Aviv, Time, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for imperative
Adjective
The Cadence travel system is also imperative to keeping things like jewelry, wires, and toiletries ready to go, too.
—Claire Gallam, Travel + Leisure, 22 Feb. 2026
But because cancer is one of the leading causes of death for our companion animals, detecting cancer early and finding treatments is imperative.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
War, as a word and an act, is at times a moral imperative, but the case for it needs to be made clearly and the consequences understood and anticipated.
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2026
Despite several high-profile breaches over the past year, many organizations still treat cybersecurity as a compliance requirement rather than an operational imperative.
—Don Aviv, Time, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for imperative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperative
Adjective
-
In District 4, incumbent Nick Melvoin is facing off against Ankur Patel, director of outreach at the Hindu University of America.—
Melissa Gomez,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Al-Shawish is challenging incumbent council member Donnie Funk for his District 4 seat in the April 7 election.—
Nathan Pilling
March 13,
Kansas City Star,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The unlawful taking of any part or accessory affixed to the interior or exterior of a motor vehicle in a manner which would make the item an attachment of the vehicle or necessary for its operation.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Health care should not require patients to risk financial ruin in order to receive necessary treatment.—
Linda D. Gadd,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
For its tender and urgent vision, the George Kalogeropoulos MFI Award goes to THE LAST CLASS (Michele Fornasero, Alice Drago).—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
15 Mar. 2026
-
This event clearly shows an urgent need for better traffic enforcement on Jamaica Ave.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The form and instructions are available there for eligible consumers.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Cook the pasta shells for 1 minute less than the package instructions, about 9 minutes, then drain and spray with cooking spray, and place in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.—
Elizabeth Nelson,
Southern Living,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Add child care, car payments and other recurring expenses, and much of a household's income can become locked into monthly obligations.—
Mike Winters,
CNBC,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Luna is highlighting your bank account from her spot in your 2nd House of Numbers, while Jupiter in your 8th House of Shared Resources potentially adds relationship obligations.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The required restitution is a total of $258,563, with $233,164 of that to Ulta Beauty and the rest to the city of Royal Oak.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
-
One quote the Reios received for the required Burial Site Investigation came to $319,000, according to the CBC.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The gift was designated to further advance and highlight essential and high-level glioblastoma research at UC San Diego, in addition to inspiring others to follow suit and ultimately contribute to this critical and developing area of medical research.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Leucovorin is a synthetic metabolite of folate, which is essential for healthy pregnancies and is recommended for women before conception and during pregnancy.—
MATTHEW PERRONE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
According to medical records obtained by EW at the time of Hulk's death, the pro wrestler died of acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Mar. 2026
-
The company in recent years expanded into blood disorders with the approval of its gene-editing treatment Casgevy and acute pain with its drug Journavx.—
Angelica Peebles,
CNBC,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Imperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperative. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
