Synonyms of imperatives

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

• instructions
• edicts
• directives
• orders
• directions
• commandments
• dos
• injunctions
• requirements
• words
• commands
• dictates
• decrees
• demands
• behests
• charges
• mandates
• rules
• laws
• precepts
• regulations
• prescriptions
• statutes
• ordinances
• prescripts
• counterorders
• countermands

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• appeals
• petitions
• pleas
• recommendations
• proposals
• urgings
• entreaties
• suggestions

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• obligations
• responsibilities
• needs
• duties
• commitments
• constraints
• requirements
• promises
• vows
• burdens
• offices
• pledges
• dos
• incumbencies
• pacts
• words
• charges
• oaths
• devoirs
• arrangements
• compulsions
• payments
• contracts
• restraints
• forces
• covenants
• debts
• compacts
• setups
• trusts
• appointments
• tributes
• reservations
• engagements
• musts
• coercions
• prearrangements
• troths
• duresses
• onuses

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• exemptions
• graces
• waivers
• alternatives
• stays
• discharges
• options
• releases
• reliefs
• choices
• preferences
• postponements
• loopholes
• selections
• eases
• picks

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of imperatives

But the United States is capable of balancing these two imperatives. — Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

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

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