IMPERATIVES Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

imperatives

noun

plural of imperative

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

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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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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 Rarely do Washington’s strategic imperatives and humanitarian principles align so neatly. — Anna Nelson, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026 Bringing the P&Ls together under single owners will reduce overlap, clarify accountability, and allow GMs to allocate capital more efficiently and effectively based on their strategic imperatives. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 2 Sep. 2026 Reinforce the importance of Corporate Taste and Capability as organizational imperatives to continue to maintain. — Nisha Talagala, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperatives

Noun

Check the care tag for specific instructions on water temperature and which products to use or avoid, such as chlorine bleach.

— Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2026
Just remember that recipes are closer to blueprints than Lego instructions.

— Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of instructions

Noun

There are five parties at play here, each with its own contracts, security posture, regulatory obligations and power to say no.

— Shawn Yu, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026
The company plans to spend $518 billion on cloud computing and infrastructure obligations in coming year, and said that nearly a quarter of its revenue last year came from two customers.

— Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of obligations

Noun

The film by and large follows the edicts of Iranian neorealism, with unobtrusive observations and a naturalistic soundscape.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
Many believe Beijing perceived Tung as a loyalist who would obey the Communist leadership’s edicts.

— Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of edicts

Noun

Organizations still need clear responsibilities and clear decision-making authority.

— Andrea Eboli, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Latif is conflicted by his double life, bewildered by his doubling of parental responsibilities, constantly trying to think two moves ahead yet always ending up three steps behind.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of responsibilities

Noun

Some have done so, the prosecutor explained, by slow-walking directives of dubious merit, such as orders to investigate voter fraud by noncitizens—a phenomenon that Trump has falsely claimed is rampant.

— Eyal Press, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
This action follows previous directives this summer aimed at regulating data center expansion.

— Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of directives

Noun

Mercury in your 10th House squares Mars in your partnership zone, so another person’s needs or opinions may push against your plans, reputation, or sense of direction.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
Although there is Palestinian opposition to a two-state solution, a growing proportion—now a majority—wants it, and yearns for more capable and responsible leadership that addresses their needs and provides security.

— Michael Robbins, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of needs

Noun

Today the family receives orders from Miami, Texas, Hawaii, Oregon and even Toronto.

— Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
Square data shows that orders have skyrocketed more than 150% year-over-year, making the Hugo Spritz the fastest-growing cocktail this past summer.

— Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of orders

Noun

Until a new lieutenant governor is named, state Senate President Nicholas Scutari will step in as acting governor if Sherrill is away or unable to perform her duties.

— MIKE CATALINI, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
On Monday, the five media networks that make up the White House television pool — NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox News, and CNN — decided to stop fulfilling their pool duties until the administration reversed course on its CNN ban.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of duties

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imperative

imperatives

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“Imperatives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperatives. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of imperatives

noun

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