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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of imperatives
Unlike many slow-moving urban mammoths, this could be a model for how to integrate local desires with capitalist imperatives to deliver your friendly neighborhood megaproject.
—
Justin Davidson, Curbed, 10 Feb. 2026
For firms seeking success in today’s high-pressure market, there are a few core imperatives.
—Abdulla Belhoul, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026
Today, nuclear is firmly back on the global energy agenda, driven by the dual imperatives of energy security and climate goals.
—Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
This past year also was elevated by the success that the league’s TV partners had in harnessing the lure of live game coverage to drive larger corporate imperatives — namely, building up the streaming platforms that represent the future for the parent companies of NBC, CBS, ESPN/ABC and Fox.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 28 Jan. 2026
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, presides over the space, transmitting the spleen and the constantly shifting imperatives of the President.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
Who knows the reasons for this choice—band dynamics are a psychedelic kaleidoscope of competing imperatives—but whatever the case, by 2003’s Dear Catastrophe Waitress, Murdoch had been largely restored to creative primacy, on both that record and The Life Pursuit.
—Elizabeth Nelson, Pitchfork, 22 Jan. 2026
The meeting comes as the president reignites his push to take control of Greenland, citing national security imperatives.
—Jared Gans, The Hill, 14 Jan. 2026
There is a recently burgeoning genre of documentaries — usually either celebrity or true crime in focus — driven not by aesthetic or storytelling imperatives but by (self-)promotional machinery.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 Dec. 2025
Justin Davidson, Curbed, 10 Feb. 2026
For firms seeking success in today’s high-pressure market, there are a few core imperatives.
—Abdulla Belhoul, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026
Today, nuclear is firmly back on the global energy agenda, driven by the dual imperatives of energy security and climate goals.
—Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
This past year also was elevated by the success that the league’s TV partners had in harnessing the lure of live game coverage to drive larger corporate imperatives — namely, building up the streaming platforms that represent the future for the parent companies of NBC, CBS, ESPN/ABC and Fox.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 28 Jan. 2026
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, presides over the space, transmitting the spleen and the constantly shifting imperatives of the President.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
Who knows the reasons for this choice—band dynamics are a psychedelic kaleidoscope of competing imperatives—but whatever the case, by 2003’s Dear Catastrophe Waitress, Murdoch had been largely restored to creative primacy, on both that record and The Life Pursuit.
—Elizabeth Nelson, Pitchfork, 22 Jan. 2026
The meeting comes as the president reignites his push to take control of Greenland, citing national security imperatives.
—Jared Gans, The Hill, 14 Jan. 2026
There is a recently burgeoning genre of documentaries — usually either celebrity or true crime in focus — driven not by aesthetic or storytelling imperatives but by (self-)promotional machinery.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperatives
Noun
-
In a post on X Monday, Yue described how her OpenClaw autonomous AI agents—built to run locally on a Mac mini computer—deleted her entire inbox, ignoring instructions to pause and ask for confirmation first.—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
23 Feb. 2026
-
The court sent the question back to PURA with instructions that effectively require the regulators to approve the sale.—
Edmund H. Mahony,
Hartford Courant,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The roster’s age and future payroll obligations put it in win-now mode.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The total amount reflects earned leave accumulated during Smith's tenure and does not include any additional severance beyond contractual obligations.—
Jack Lowenstein,
CBS News,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Covid-19 bred doubt about government edicts and skepticism about science, provoking an existential battle for truth.—
Richard Edelman,
Time,
18 Jan. 2026
-
Trump edicts weigh on stocks this week Geopolitical risks have weighed on investor sentiment this week.—
Pia Singh,
CNBC,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Stepping back from the noise, the news, and even our daily responsibilities from time to time gives us space to recharge, reflect, and find our center again.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Ridinger said building a business while balancing personal responsibilities requires prioritization and discipline, particularly for leaders managing both professional demands and family life.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The federal prosecutor’s office in Minnesota has been gutted by a wave of career officials resigning or retiring over objections to Trump administration directives.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The federal prosecutor's office in Minnesota has been gutted by a wave of career officials resigning or retiring over objections to Trump administration directives.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Meyer argues that the state spends billions without addressing glaring needs, and 5200 could cost less than roller-coastering people through hospitals, courts, jails and prisons without putting them on a healthier track.—
Steve Lopez,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The majority of Americans belong to the working class and are finding their paychecks unable to keep up with the higher and higher prices of everyday needs.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Belt-Stubblefield ignored orders to stop and raised his hands, and Neely punched him in an attempt to de-escalate the situation, according to Chamberlain’s account in the days after the shooting.—
Noelle Phillips,
Denver Post,
24 Feb. 2026
-
At his orders, cartel henchmen began setting fire to vehicles, gas stations and government buildings and blockaded major highways.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, temporary import duties are capped at 15% and can run for up to 150 days, unless Congress votes to keep them in place for another 150 days.—
Chaewon Chung,
Sacbee.com,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Automotive and base metals exports remain subject to steep 25% and 50% duties under Section 232 measures, limiting upside in those sectors.—
Sam Mkokeli,
semafor.com,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Imperatives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperatives. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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