1
as in incumbent
forcing one's compliance or participation by or as if by law
reporting signs of physical abuse is now an imperative duty for hospital and school personnel
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in necessary
impossible to do without
proper equipment is imperative for the success of this chemical experiment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in urgent
needing immediate attention
an imperative need for medical supplies in the earthquake-ravaged country
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in instruction
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obligation
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
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Recent Examples of imperative
Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 22 May 2025
Drying the opener immediately after washing is imperative because allowing a can opener to air-dry leaves the blades susceptible to rust.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 May 2025
Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 25 May 2025
But senators, who face the voters every six years, have different imperatives in their states, and some Republicans like to remind Trump of that fact.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for imperative
Adjective
While the panel just scratched the surface of each issue, the conversation went deep and the room was left in awe of each activist and their imperative work.
—Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 22 May 2025
Drying the opener immediately after washing is imperative because allowing a can opener to air-dry leaves the blades susceptible to rust.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 May 2025
Noun
Vance ignores this counter-majoritarian imperative.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 25 May 2025
But senators, who face the voters every six years, have different imperatives in their states, and some Republicans like to remind Trump of that fact.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for imperative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperative
Adjective
-
High gas prices tend to put pressure on the incumbent party, which in California is the Democratic Party, of course.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 June 2025
-
Then-President Trump endorsed his opponent, incumbent Rep. Dan Donovan, in the primary and Grimm ended up losing the election.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
Nothing of the sort is necessary for Barkov, whose reputation as the best two-way center in the league (at least based on Selke voting) is deserved.—
The Athletic NHL Staff,
New York Times,
31 May 2025
-
More long-term and larger studies are necessary to conclude whether intermittent fasting is beneficial for other aspects of health.—
Sohaib Imtiaz,
Verywell Health,
31 May 2025
Adjective
-
The appeals court said there is no urgent need for DOGE to access Social Security records in the interim.—
Nina Totenberg,
NPR,
6 June 2025
-
Arsenal’s reticence to spend on development players is understandable — particularly in the case of last January, when there was also an urgent need for a first-team centre-forward.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
Residents were advised to heed official warnings throughout the severe weather cycle and stay alert for any additional storm advisories or emergency instructions.—
Barney Henderson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
-
The only instructions for the theater audience that night will be to get their butts in the seats before curtain.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
If another front office sees Holiday’s contract as positive value, the Celtics should strike quickly, but (justifiably!) paying him produced a remaining obligation that is below water.—
Danny Leroux,
New York Times,
31 May 2025
-
The stakes are high: the Alliance wants to place the city’s homelessness programs into receivership, effectively removing control from Mayor Karen Bass, on the grounds that the city is not meeting its legal obligations for providing such services.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2025
Adjective
-
The approval of the amendment's ballot title and popular name, which are used as shorthand to describe the measure on the ballot, is a required step before the League of Women Voters can begin collecting signatures.—
Neal Earley,
Arkansas Online,
22 May 2025
-
The petition drive was a required step to keep the cityhood application process going.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
Taking away mental health care and essential healthcare services from low-income populations puts an already vulnerable group at a significantly higher risk for addiction.—
Ryan Hampton,
Time,
28 May 2025
-
Tailor Your Résumé While certifications are essential, your résumé must reflect a comprehensive picture of your skills and experiences.—
Jay Garcia,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
Exposure is linked to worsening symptoms in those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but acute cardiovascular risks, including heart attacks and strokes, may be even more pronounced.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
-
Timeline Expectations: The Long Road of Grief Normal grief timeline: Most young adults begin to experience some relief from acute grief symptoms within 6-12 months, though grief waves can continue for years.—
Charell G. Coleman,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Imperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperative. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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