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
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
Both Sheffield and Kinloch wrote their early childhood strategies would align with the Hope Starts Here framework, a citywide early childhood philanthropic partnership started in 2016 that follows six key imperatives to strengthen Detroit's early childhood system.
—
Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 24 Oct. 2025
The pair spoke about the development of reasoning models, governments’ pivot away from safety, and his new nonprofit, LawZero, which aims to redesign AI safety in the face of commercial imperatives.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
From the interpolation of four variegating imperatives emerges a single prophetic voice.
—Elaine L. Wang
september 11, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
With the dawn of the AI era, many organizations see transformation and change as urgent imperatives.
—Julia Dhar, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Some leaders just want to have fun Beyond the strategic imperatives of statecraft, the travel patterns of world leaders occasionally reveal a significant personal dimension.
—Collin J. Meisel, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2025
For pop music in particular, narrative can be fundamentally in tension with other imperatives.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
With their border dispute locked in a stalemate, India is choosing to insulate its diplomatic and economic imperatives from the security conflict with China, according to Kewalramani from the Takshashila Institution.
—Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025
All political leaders must weigh the competing imperatives of public needs, personal goals and partisan responsibilities.
—John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2025
Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 24 Oct. 2025
The pair spoke about the development of reasoning models, governments’ pivot away from safety, and his new nonprofit, LawZero, which aims to redesign AI safety in the face of commercial imperatives.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
From the interpolation of four variegating imperatives emerges a single prophetic voice.
—Elaine L. Wang
september 11, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
With the dawn of the AI era, many organizations see transformation and change as urgent imperatives.
—Julia Dhar, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Some leaders just want to have fun Beyond the strategic imperatives of statecraft, the travel patterns of world leaders occasionally reveal a significant personal dimension.
—Collin J. Meisel, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2025
For pop music in particular, narrative can be fundamentally in tension with other imperatives.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
With their border dispute locked in a stalemate, India is choosing to insulate its diplomatic and economic imperatives from the security conflict with China, according to Kewalramani from the Takshashila Institution.
—Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025
All political leaders must weigh the competing imperatives of public needs, personal goals and partisan responsibilities.
—John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperatives
Noun
-
The league then sends out direct notification letters to players, giving them the specific details of the fine and instructions on how to appeal.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
With all cleaning solutions for every area, Mock recommends reading the labels, instructions, and any warnings very thoroughly to ensure the proper use.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Mercury retrograde is asking you to hit pause on external obligations and listen to your inner world.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Dozens of Tarrant County College faculty members have been ordered to pay back portions of their salaries, with college administrators saying the teachers did not meet their contractual obligations.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Ever since, as the Taliban returned to power, once again issuing edicts to suppress women and girls, the clinic and its 34-year-old midwife Atifa have continued to provide a lifeline for mothers and young children.—
Elise Blanchard,
Time,
21 Aug. 2025
-
One of the fundamental edicts of the [original Naked Gun creators] Zucker Brothers was you played against the comedy.—
Mia Galuppo,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Only 38% of respondents cited labor reduction as a motivator for AI adoption, while most say AI helps teams reduce manual work and take on more strategic responsibilities.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Many must now contend with large mortgage and car payments, along with student loan debt, while also balancing greater family responsibilities.—
Jessica Dickler,
CNBC,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
This comes amid a series of directives from federal authorities demanding that the city halt its toll program for drivers entering Manhattan's central business district.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
-
The statement also denies that any of the building closures or return-to-work directives related to the changes violate federal laws.—
Ella Nilsen,
CNN Money,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
According to the United Nations, Venezuela historically does not produce enough food to meet its needs, and many products must be imported from abroad and paid for in foreign currencies.—
Stefano Pozzebon,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Ultimately, the findings emphasize that understanding your driving needs and aligning them with the right powertrain can make a major difference in battery longevity.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Players must focus on teamwork, communication and coordination to successfully complete orders before customers get angry and storm out.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Available for dine-in or, if ordering from a Buffalo Wild Wings GO location, available for walk-in/orders placed at the counter only.—
Gege Reed,
Louisville Courier Journal,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The government is allowed to implement content-neutral time, place and manner restrictions, and a protest can’t interfere with law enforcement’s duties.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
10 Nov. 2025
-
The structure puts extra defensive weight on Potts, but his midfield partners did not shirk their share of such duties, with the trio combining to give West Ham broad, reliable coverage across the pitch.—
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Imperatives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperatives. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share