prescriptive

adjective

pre·​scrip·​tive pri-ˈskrip-tiv How to pronounce prescriptive (audio)
1
: serving to prescribe
prescriptive rules of usage
2
: acquired by, founded on, or determined by prescription or by long-standing custom
prescriptively adverb

Examples of prescriptive in a Sentence

Critics claim the new rules are too prescriptive. even in this age of e-mail the prescriptive response to a wedding gift is a handwritten thank-you note
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Advanced Analytics Descriptive, diagnostic, predictive and prescriptive analytics have been used in manufacturing for at least a decade. John Clemons, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 Mature digital twins typically have multiple functions to them, and Amazon’s are primarily used for predictive and prescriptive recommendations focused on remedying issues preemptively. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 11 Mar. 2025 An infrared sauna session feels more American—like an expensive, efficient, prescriptive life hack engineered to boost your mood and productivity, rather than an hours-long immersive experience shared with friends. Jennifer Davis-Flynn, Outside Online, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prescriptive

Word History

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prescriptive was in 1663

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Cite this Entry

“Prescriptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescriptive. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Legal Definition

prescriptive

adjective
pre·​scrip·​tive pri-ˈskrip-tiv How to pronounce prescriptive (audio)
1
: serving to prescribe
prescriptive rules
2
: acquired by, founded on, or constituting prescription
a prescriptive right
a longer prescriptive period
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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