as in traditional
based on customs usually handed down from a previous generation
even in this age of e-mail the prescriptive response to a wedding gift is a handwritten thank-you note
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prescriptive
On sleep in particular, Whoop is distinctly more prescriptive than descriptive.
—
PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2025
Over the last several years, the party’s primary unifying focus has been assailing President Donald Trump and MAGA, while lacking an articulate compelling message or prescriptive platform.
—Seth David Radwell, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
Walk into the parenting section of any bookstore and you will be bombarded by prescriptive books, old and new.
—Theo Wolf, CNBC, 24 July 2025
That will require the United States to offer a concrete alternative, one that is focused on transparency and choice, to more prescriptive regulations, such as the EU’s restrictions on AI applications that do not comply with extensive EU rules.
—Michael C. Horowitz, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prescriptive
PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2025
Over the last several years, the party’s primary unifying focus has been assailing President Donald Trump and MAGA, while lacking an articulate compelling message or prescriptive platform.
—Seth David Radwell, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
Walk into the parenting section of any bookstore and you will be bombarded by prescriptive books, old and new.
—Theo Wolf, CNBC, 24 July 2025
That will require the United States to offer a concrete alternative, one that is focused on transparency and choice, to more prescriptive regulations, such as the EU’s restrictions on AI applications that do not comply with extensive EU rules.
—Michael C. Horowitz, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prescriptive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prescriptive
Adjective
-
This more traditional system is where Tottenham have ended up.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
At the same time, identity categories have become more fluid, and traditional sources of authority — religion, education, government — are more likely to be contested or distrusted.—
Christopher P. Scheitle,
The Conversation,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The acquisition is still subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval.—
Ashley Capoot,
CNBC,
2 Sep. 2025
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Wildlife art can be confining, constricting, customary; contemporary artists are assuring its survival and vibrancy by breaking from the traditional.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The technique might also yield interesting possibilities in cell therapy or precision surgery, where conventional tools are too large or blunt.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Sep. 2025
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Such intimate screenings and parties will continue in different locations as the film makes its way into conventional theaters.—
Andrew McGowan,
Variety,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prescriptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prescriptive. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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