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
John Ganem, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
The governor’s other main criminal justice imperative in the budget was to change how prosecutors exchange evidence with defense lawyers before a trial.
—Grace Ashford, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025
Now, they’re left with that nine-year drought, a fan base that is running out of patience, and an imperative to not repeat this all next season.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for imperative
Adjective
Sectors like steel, manufacturing, logistics and infrastructure power imperative operations, from building warships and tanks to maintaining vital infrastructure that supports everyday life.
—John Ganem, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
The governor’s other main criminal justice imperative in the budget was to change how prosecutors exchange evidence with defense lawyers before a trial.
—Grace Ashford, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Noun
Short wars are fought with whatever resources are available at the time; long wars require the development of capabilities that are geared to changing operational imperatives, as demonstrated by the continual transformation of drone warfare in Ukraine.
—Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025
Now, they’re left with that nine-year drought, a fan base that is running out of patience, and an imperative to not repeat this all next season.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for imperative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperative
Adjective
-
In Georgia, Republican Gov. Brian Kemp this week decided against running against Sen. Jon Ossoff, seen as the most vulnerable incumbent Democrat on the board next year.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
7 May 2025
-
In what was ostensibly a nonpartisan race, all three incumbent candidates for Mansfield school board — all of whom were recommended by the Republican activist organization True Texas Project — fell to challengers in the May 3 elections, perhaps indicating a shift in voter sentiment.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 May 2025
Adjective
-
In disparate impact cases, defendants can argue that a requirement is nonetheless necessary for a job.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
5 May 2025
-
There is a limit of one per guest and no purchase, or ID, is necessary to get your free treat.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
Adjective
-
That is the urgent story that authors Allen and Parnes ignored.—
Bruce Fein,
Baltimore Sun,
1 May 2025
-
As the exhibition illustrated, Pan-Africanism also corresponded with urgent anti-colonial, anti-apartheid, and civil rights movements worldwide.—
Delinda Collier,
Artforum,
1 May 2025
Noun
-
Instead of traditional teachers, Alpha employs guides who focus on coaching and emotional support, while AI handles the academic instruction.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2025
-
Her original post had included a link to a website that provided instructions for buying the tokens.—
Mary Clements Evans,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Noun
-
Of course, commercial companies like ULA have no obligation to broadcast their launches at all, and there's no requirement for Amazon to show pictures of its satellites.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
3 May 2025
-
In 2016 an Oregon federal judge ruled that the U.S. government had an obligation to protect the climate under both the public trust doctrine and the U.S. Constitution.—
Alexandra Klass,
The Conversation,
2 May 2025
Adjective
-
The building received its recertification, and by the Jan. 1 state deadline had filed its required milestone inspection reports and created a reserve fund.—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Think about it—how often is passion a required attribute for entrepreneurs pitching their businesses?—
Lindsay Kohler,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Now, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is emerging as its essential companion.—
John Werner,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
However, this essential skill remains largely absent from our educational systems and the narrative at large.—
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar,
Time,
3 May 2025
Adjective
-
According to the pharmaceutical company, the campaign encourages people to proactively discuss their acute pain management plan with their doctor and support system.—
Anna Lazarus Caplan,
People.com,
1 May 2025
-
Museums are imperiled by acute financial, social, and ideological challenges.—
Eric Crosby,
Artforum,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Imperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperative. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
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