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
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 prescriptive
At its core, Carrier frames the museum’s responsibility as preservational rather than prescriptive.
—
William Jones, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
Some graphic scores are relatively prescriptive, stipulating rhythms, dynamics, and melody in a manner not unlike conventional scores.
—Olivia Giovetti, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
While the theory was meant to be explanatory, in the sense that observers used it to explain apparently irrational behavior, it has sometimes been used in a prescriptive way, as an approach consciously adopted by leaders.
—Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026
Control should feel empowering, not prescriptive.
—Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prescriptive
William Jones, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
Some graphic scores are relatively prescriptive, stipulating rhythms, dynamics, and melody in a manner not unlike conventional scores.
—Olivia Giovetti, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
While the theory was meant to be explanatory, in the sense that observers used it to explain apparently irrational behavior, it has sometimes been used in a prescriptive way, as an approach consciously adopted by leaders.
—Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026
Control should feel empowering, not prescriptive.
—Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prescriptive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prescriptive
Adjective
-
The reason CrowdStrike shares are down 16% this year, alongside many other enterprise software companies, is that some investors believe that large language models (LLMs), with their rapidly improving capabilities, will one day displace even the best traditional cybersecurity vendors.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
4 Mar. 2026
-
That demonstration confirmed the drone could operate from naval platforms without traditional runways.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
It customary for an air of mystery to surround the burials of drug lords in Mexico, something their supporters take advantage of to try to elevate them to legend.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
3 Mar. 2026
-
The company works with regional specialists to help ensure that employment practices reflect local requirements and customary standards.—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
Sacbee.com,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Powered by four jet engines, the B-2 can carry conventional or nuclear weapons, with intercontinental range and aerial refueling.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
2 Mar. 2026
-
It is built by Raytheon, a unit of RTX, and carries a conventional warhead.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prescriptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prescriptive. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
