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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
That’s why having a good toothbrush is imperative for not only looking healthy and polished on the outside, but also for good oral health. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 29 Aug. 2025 Creating solutions to combat extreme heat is only going to become more imperative as temperatures increase, experts say. Simmone Shah, Time, 27 Aug. 2025
Noun
Both sides of course have their own imperative for a settlement or at least the pursuit of one. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025 From buzzword to must-have: Why AI is now an imperative for business leadersLooking for a free mini puzzle? Carolyn Said, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for imperative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperative
Adjective
  • Harris also had to run with a disgruntled incumbent president, who had been all but forced out of the race, looking over her shoulder.
    W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The Garden State has traditionally leaned Democrat, with incumbent Governor Phil Murphy on the verge of completing his second term.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Is Executive Order 14224 even necessary?
    Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The partial closure order was coordinated with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office, along with multiple local, state, and federal agency cooperators, to identify the minimum area necessary for the safety of firefighting resources and forest visitors.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • TeamSmile also launched a new pilot program to deliver essential dental care for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), highlighting the urgent need for accessible treatment for these kids.
    Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
  • This means distinguishing between urgent and important tasks, eliminating unnecessary metrics and communications, clarifying policies, and setting clear expectations.
    Kotter, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Each patient was given instructions to continue using the SPFs in the split-face study for the next four days, returning to the office every day for visual assessment.
    Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Follow evacuation instructions without delay.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Similar American drone sales to the UAE and Qatar will likely proceed once Washington reinterprets its obligations under that 1987 treaty, and will probably exceed the number China has sold to the region to date.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Live records could also be a way of fulfilling a contractual obligation (too many examples to cite) or a way to mollify fans who were going to have to wait a while for another studio record (Fleetwood Mac’s 1980’s concert record, which bridged the gap between Tusk and Mirage).
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Hurdles have included problems obtaining required permits from the city council, complaints from residents about noise and light pollution, reports of workers’ rights not being respected by local authorities, and suppliers going bankrupt.
    Pol Ballus, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Beyond reading the college’s brochures and website, Selingo encourages prospective students to ask current students how helpful the career offices are, what their advisors are like and how accessible required courses are.
    Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These two energies seduced me to find womxn who, through their artistic work, were open to rebellious acts such as publishing art books on essential topics.
    Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The Panthers are paying their offensive line a fortune, and Hubbard is here for the long haul, focusing on those two variables is essential.
    DIAMOND VENCES, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In women, nerve issues or a cystocele (a type of pelvic organ prolapse, or dropped bladder) can alter flow, but acute urinary retention is much less common, affecting only about 3 in 100,000 women each year.
    Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Kazakhstan’s president recognizes the acute competition for investors’ dollars.
    Mark Temnycky, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Imperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperative. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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