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
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
But there is no description that captures the many sides of the rabbi’s soul, and so Koestenbaum offers a gloriously Sisyphean attempt, a measure of respect for the human in all its biological imperatives and psychological complexity.
—Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
But where those efforts have been driven primarily by cultural imperatives, Prasad sees restoration increasingly as a commercial proposition – and one with global reach.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026
National security imperatives now suggest that Iran will go towards nuclear weapons — that their strategy over 20 years of trying to have an open nuclear program that could be monitored by [the International Atomic Energy Agency] was a mistake.
—Mishal Husain, Bloomberg, 13 Mar. 2026
According to McKinsey's 2024 research on productivity imperatives, productivity gaps between high and low performers increase by as much as 800% as task complexity rises.
—Marko Horvat, Forbes.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, an array of new pressures—state power, domestic politics, national-security imperatives—have been piled atop those already weighing on a for-profit company in a race to deploy a volatile new technology.
—Harry Booth, Time, 11 Mar. 2026
Indeed, the Framers recognized these imperatives, along with the tension inherent between congressional authority and the President’s role as Commander-in-Chief.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2026
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
But there is no description that captures the many sides of the rabbi’s soul, and so Koestenbaum offers a gloriously Sisyphean attempt, a measure of respect for the human in all its biological imperatives and psychological complexity.
—Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
But where those efforts have been driven primarily by cultural imperatives, Prasad sees restoration increasingly as a commercial proposition – and one with global reach.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026
National security imperatives now suggest that Iran will go towards nuclear weapons — that their strategy over 20 years of trying to have an open nuclear program that could be monitored by [the International Atomic Energy Agency] was a mistake.
—Mishal Husain, Bloomberg, 13 Mar. 2026
According to McKinsey's 2024 research on productivity imperatives, productivity gaps between high and low performers increase by as much as 800% as task complexity rises.
—Marko Horvat, Forbes.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, an array of new pressures—state power, domestic politics, national-security imperatives—have been piled atop those already weighing on a for-profit company in a race to deploy a volatile new technology.
—Harry Booth, Time, 11 Mar. 2026
Indeed, the Framers recognized these imperatives, along with the tension inherent between congressional authority and the President’s role as Commander-in-Chief.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperatives
Noun
-
The resulting disruptions include numerous school and business closings, remote work instructions and finding alternate sites for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities.—
Nicholas Lentz,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
-
For the 2025 version, our approximately 10 pairings of drivers and navigators arrived on a Wednesday and convened at Monaco’s Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo to sign in and receive preliminary instructions for the next day’s start.—
Viju Mathew,
Robb Report,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
Later, the Moon squares the Sun and may reveal friction between freedom and obligations.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
-
The city says the survey is just one of several factors informing the mayor’s budget decisions — with others including legal obligations, economic conditions, departmental needs and the city’s responsibility to maintain services like public safety, infrastructure and homelessness response.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
My worry is edicts from Hartford.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
-
While many edicts are necessary to protect public safety, many more are redundant, wasteful and anti-competitive, piling on unnecessary costs and stymieing innovation.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
18 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Greater pessimism Young people, with fewer physical limitations and family responsibilities — along with an ability to adapt more quickly than older counterparts — normally are more optimistic about their ability to land work.—
Nicholas Riccardi,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2026
-
Young people, with fewer physical limitations and family responsibilities — along with an ability to adapt more quickly than older counterparts — normally are more optimistic about their ability to land work.—
Nicholas Riccardi,
Fortune,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
Among other things, he was accused of being openly critical of college leadership and of failing to respond to or complete directives from college officials.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2026
-
Wang and Sun executed directives from PRC representatives and sometimes sought permission from Chinese government officials to post content, Wang’s plea agreement said.—
Alicia Victoria Lozano,
NBC news,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Often, everyone is trying their best but finding that there are simply too many competing and seemingly conflicting needs.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2026
-
Later, the Moon squares the Sun and could expose tension between private needs and outside expectations.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
Beyond the bar, guests have access to an exclusive room service menu with proper meals for breakfast, dinner, and late-night orders.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 May 2026
-
The catering started in 2025, and the Greek orders poured in.—
Sarah Kyrcz,
Hartford Courant,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
However, that run would prove brief, with Staubach claiming starting duties for good upon his return.—
Matt Moret,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
-
Quince actually breaks down the price for each item on its site, revealing the cost for materials, packaging, freight and handling, duties, taxes and other fees.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Imperatives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperatives. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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