imperatives

noun

plural of imperative
1
as in instructions
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obligations
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 imperatives Treat these as engineering imperatives, not merely policy decisions. — Vaibhav Gujral, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 The writers also cited Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox assets, arguing that Fox’s independent creative voice has essentially been subsumed by Disney’s corporate imperatives. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 22 July 2026 Further, state leaders realize that the nation’s economic imperatives and our broader aspirations for education are two sides of the same coin. — Tim Knowles, Fortune, 8 July 2026 Efforts to strengthen domestic supply chains, upgrade advanced manufacturing, and invest heavily in strategic technologies, from cutting-edge semiconductors to next-generation 6G connectivity, are framed not merely as economic initiatives, but as imperatives of national security. — Yu Jie, Time, 13 May 2026 If allowed to stand, this poses problems for utilities, grid operators, and regulators who plan for decades-long timeframes, only to be overruled by short-term political imperatives that favor certain industries. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2026 In a new First Opinion essay, two researchers explain the importance of laboratories like this one, as well as the economic and moral imperatives to protect them. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 9 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperatives
  1. instructions
  2. obligations
  3. edicts
  4. responsibilities
  5. directives
  6. needs
  7. orders
  8. duties
Noun
  • The instructions did not forbid what happened, and the environments did not prevent it.
    — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Always refer to your machine’s specific manufacturer’s cleaning instructions as well.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of instructions
Noun
  • Although the assets of the Children's Trust were ostensibly owned by the trust and not by the Kittrells individually, Murphy Kittrell held those assets to be his own for purposes of guaranteeing his individual obligations.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • According to a stadium lease between the city and the Public Building Authority signed in 2009, the city had authorized issuing $12 million in short-term financing obligations to build Dickey-Stephens Park, which opened in 2007.
    — Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of obligations
Noun
  • Those who oppose the Mexican Mafia, or fail to follow the edicts of the gang’s leaders, are often targeted for beatings or even death.
    — Sean Emery, Oc Register, 22 July 2026
  • Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse The highly agile Getty shooter Alan Crowhurst has done us a great favor by bringing concrete cloakroom evidence of the many social and administrative challenges that the (famous) Royal Ascot costume edicts require in order to be properly met.
    — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Definition of edicts
Noun
  • Keith Hallegua also stayed to fulfill family responsibilities.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Kim Jong Il Kim Jong Il formally assumed leadership following his father’s death in 1994, although he had been designated his successor years earlier and had already assumed many leadership responsibilities.
    — Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of responsibilities
Noun
  • Zaid Arzate, Powerhouse’s director of development and data center construction, said that even before Abbott’s directives, their plan met those requirements.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The Chinese government is still involved in this ecosystem, including, sometimes, through top-down directives.
    — Natalia Cote-Muñoz, Foreign Affairs, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of directives
Noun
  • This allowed Amanda to collect data and better understand the scale and specific needs of local families before the summer.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
  • May 21 – June 20 Public expectations and private needs may pull at each other.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of needs
Noun
  • Since Yu's soft launch of the new vehicle to the Chinese public, Stelato has announced that the G9 will officially open for pre-orders from August 5.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The three fires had collectively destroyed at least 700 structures and prompted evacuation orders affecting approximately 67,000 people as of Monday, according to The Associated Press.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of orders
Noun
  • But Goff described duties of the person who would fill the new position earlier this week in an interview with The Star.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Participants are solely responsible for any taxes, duties, customs fees, or other governmental charges associated with receipt or use of a prize, if applicable.
    — The Athletic, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of duties

Browse Nearby Words

imperative
imperatives
imperceptible
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Cite this Entry

“Imperatives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperatives. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of imperatives for Spanish Speakers

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