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
Jessica Blough, CNN Money, 22 May 2026
Another imperative fuel factor to consider outside of the daily commute is the fate of diesel fuel prices, which impacts everything from the farms that grow food to the trucks that transport it to manufacturers and grocery stores.
—Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 12 May 2026
Jessica Bartlett — Boston Globe, STAT, 21 May 2026
The moral and legal imperative today is to honor, not erase, the rights that survived that injustice.
—Shaun Chapoose, Denver Post, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for imperative
Adjective
While studies show that most people want to age at home, that choice is more imperative for LGBTQ seniors, who often face discrimination, including at long-term care facilities.
—Jessica Blough, CNN Money, 22 May 2026
Another imperative fuel factor to consider outside of the daily commute is the fate of diesel fuel prices, which impacts everything from the farms that grow food to the trucks that transport it to manufacturers and grocery stores.
—Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 12 May 2026
Noun
Beyond the obvious imperative to save lives, Mass General Brigham executives noted that mortality metrics generally are important for other reasons, including that they are tied to reimbursements from federal and state government insurance programs.
—Jessica Bartlett — Boston Globe, STAT, 21 May 2026
The moral and legal imperative today is to honor, not erase, the rights that survived that injustice.
—Shaun Chapoose, Denver Post, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for imperative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperative
Adjective
-
His bid for the party’s support challenging incumbent Attorney General Keith Ellison, a Democrat, was uncontested.—
Jay Gabler,
Twin Cities,
30 May 2026
-
The prospect of Burnham, considered more left-leaning than Starmer, replacing the incumbent prime minister has sent jitters through bond markets in recent weeks.—
Chloe Taylor,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Last spring, the mayor vetoed the budget adopted by the council, and an override ended up being necessary.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
-
The cosmonauts are effectively the human equivalent of first dog Laika, sacrificing themselves — if necessary — for the good of the wider populous.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
The book does often feel like a recording of a mental jam session, but there is also a sense of being guided by a kind of hesitating yet urgent voice that needs to get things figured out.—
Craig Morgan Teicher,
Literary Hub,
1 June 2026
-
Drums echo off concrete walls, whistles slice through the night air, and thousands of voices gather into something loud and urgent.—
Radier Odhiambo,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Both clubs also have youth academies aiming to offer affordable instruction to younger players.—
PJ Green
May 30,
Kansas City Star,
30 May 2026
-
Where needed, eriophyid mites can be controlled with horticultural oil, neem oil or miticide sprays following label instructions.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
This year, Davis began the process of shifting some sidewalk repair obligations onto adjacent property owners to address a repaving backlog and citywide budget deficit.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
29 May 2026
-
Gomez also criticized the public notice that warned broadcasters about their public interest obligations.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
The storefront was small but required grueling work, often keeping him away from his wife, Lynda, and their four children.—
Eva Remijan-Toba,
Chicago Tribune,
2 June 2026
-
From Visibility To Observability The required shift is from visibility to observability.—
John Pritchard,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
Whether your plans include a day at the beach, sightseeing around a new city, or simply running errands, the right pair of pants can quickly become your go-to summer outfit essential.—
Kate Donovan,
Southern Living,
2 June 2026
-
For instance, Nursing gig platforms have been found to pit essential workers against each other by offering shifts to those who bid the lowest hourly wage.—
Sarita Gupta,
Time,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
The impact was particularly acute in the off-price sector.—
Gabrielle Fonrouge,
CNBC,
1 June 2026
-
Cloud, who portrayed the endearing drug dealer Fezco O’Neill in the show’s first two seasons, died of acute intoxication — an accidental overdose — in 2023.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Imperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperative. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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