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
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
24 June 2026
Judge John Roach of the 296th District Court went on the record previously to say the decision was essentially imperative to keep the trial fair.
—
Kelsie Cairns,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2026
Shanti Escalante-De Mattei,
ARTnews.com,
16 June 2026
Reducing America’s dependence on foreign sources for critical medical products is not only a public health priority but also a national security imperative.
—
W. Craig Vanderwagen,
STAT,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for imperative
Adjective
However, choosing an expansion card that doesn’t take a toll on load times or frame rates is imperative for your gaming performance.
—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
24 June 2026
Judge John Roach of the 296th District Court went on the record previously to say the decision was essentially imperative to keep the trial fair.
—
Kelsie Cairns,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2026
Noun
In that imperative, distinctions between mediums and genres blur as we are pressured to translate our cultural production into that form of direct address.
—
Shanti Escalante-De Mattei,
ARTnews.com,
16 June 2026
Reducing America’s dependence on foreign sources for critical medical products is not only a public health priority but also a national security imperative.
—
W. Craig Vanderwagen,
STAT,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for imperative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperative
Adjective
-
At the same time, new paradigms and technologies have emerged to challenge the dysfunction of the incumbent model.
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Spain’s incumbent socialist government is facing challenges, but Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez argues that migration is economically necessary given the country’s aging population.
Adjective
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Anything tragic that happened to minorities was inevitable and necessary.
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No contribution is necessary but encouraged once the account is open so savings can grow, the site said.
Adjective
-
In his inital letter, Lehmkuhl agreed that there is an urgent need to clear debris and address the persistent odor of millions of pounds of rotting food at the site.
-
The industry conversation around funding reform is urgent precisely because this generation deserves a system that matches their ambition and offers them a future.
Noun
-
Recent policies that State Shield has supported include a Tennessee bill requiring the state board of education to adopt age-appropriate instruction related to communism and a Louisiana resolution encouraging economic ties with Taiwan.
-
Plants need a good root system to hold onto water, and post-establishment watering instructions are important to follow.
Noun
-
Leaders who want durable AI revenue need to treat commercial clarity as an obligation before the market turns confusion into precedent.
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Taking time to understand the legal obligations, reviewing account documents and exploring repayment or debt relief options when necessary can help families make informed financial decisions during an already challenging time.
Adjective
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The required Biblical passages and stories impact elementary, middle and high school levels and will take effect in the 2030-2031 school year.
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Failure to respond within the required timeframe may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner, in Sponsor’s sole discretion.
Adjective
-
Constant vigilance and education around water safety is essential.
-
Caftans are the underrated summer essential that bring breezy, effortless glamour to beach days, brunches, and evening plans alike.
Adjective
-
The Irkutsk region, home to a Rosneft oil refinery, has experienced acute shortages for several days, with lines growing, Kharitonenko said.
-
Extensive evidence suggests that treating acute psychiatric conditions in an ED setting yields poor clinical outcomes.
Cite this Entry
“Imperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperative. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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