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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
Working across all sectors—public, private, nonprofit, faith-based, academia and grassroots community-building—is imperative to moving from triage solutions to long-term recovery. Raul Anaya, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 Salvaging the 2025 class was imperative, as was focusing on the 2026 group. Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2025
Noun
Not to mention that there are a lot of logical overlaps and outright contradictions that arise from these imperatives, as Asimov's Robot stories showed. David Szondy june 28, New Atlas, 28 June 2025 Sovereign imperatives await the next group to come into power. Shervin Malekzadeh, Mercury News, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for imperative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperative
Adjective
  • Although Ashley is still backing the incumbent team, instead of dividend payouts Hugo Boss’s leadership should prioritize funding long-term growth and financial flexibility, Frasers said in a statement issued late last week.
    Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • Kirk is one of seven incumbent Blue Jays bats on pace for at least 0.7 more bWAR than 2024.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Of course the private sector can price assets correctly of its own accord, and if riskless securities are necessary for this purpose, the private sector can produce them.
    Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
  • Eduardo Cavaliere, Rio’s vice mayor, said in an interview that the rules were necessary to impose some order to a sometimes chaotic scene.
    Dado Galdieri, New York Times, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • The National Weather Service sent urgent alerts about potentially life-threatening danger hours in advance of the flash floods, leaving time to notify and try to evacuate people in harm’s way.
    Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 11 July 2025
  • At least four foreign nationals have tried within the last month to unlawfully enter the U.S. through the San Ysidro Port of Entry using ambulances as cover and posing as patients in need of urgent medical attention, according to court documents in four federal criminal cases.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • The first is do not send or accept wire instructions by email.
    Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 12 July 2025
  • Some sirens can broadcast specific instructions, which can help.
    Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Redstone has borrowed heavily to meet debt obligations, including a $186-million term loan from Larry Ellison last year.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025
  • What's, what are, what is a citizen's obligation now?
    CBS News, CBS News, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • But before the drama unfolds at Royal Portrush, PGA Tour pros are making sure to take that required break to rejuvenate their energy again.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025
  • The Campbell County Republican Committee in Kentucky has been vacated by the state party due to its failure to hold a required organizational meeting.
    Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • The truth is, digestion is an essential part of the wellness and health conversation.
    Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 15 July 2025
  • American officials suggested that the essential issue was one of human judgment.
    Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Since then, more than 57,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza, according to Reuters, and millions are suffering from acute malnutrition, starvation and illness.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 12 July 2025
  • The number of children admitted for severe acute malnutrition (SAM), the most deadly form of malnutrition, rose by 50 percent from April to May.
    Sarah Ferguson, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Imperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperative. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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