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
Paige Perricone, The Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2025
But this imperative frames blindness as a visual death sentence, and turns their trip into a sort of death-row last meal.
—Andrew Leland, Travel + Leisure, 6 Mar. 2025
David Koranyi, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025
To European ears, it was probably blotted out by what came soon after:
Safeguarding European security must be an imperative for European members of NATO.
—Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for imperative
Adjective
Keeping these programs up and running is imperative to the health and wellness of our youth.
—Paige Perricone, The Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2025
But this imperative frames blindness as a visual death sentence, and turns their trip into a sort of death-row last meal.
—Andrew Leland, Travel + Leisure, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
The need for humanitarian aid is a moral and strategic imperative to keep America free and safe—and the hope for a more democratic world alive.
—David Koranyi, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025
To European ears, it was probably blotted out by what came soon after:
Safeguarding European security must be an imperative for European members of NATO.
—Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for imperative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperative
Adjective
-
But try telling that to anyone who has ever been mayor of New York City, including the incumbent mayor, Eric Adams, who is fighting an uphill battle to stay in City Hall in the face of his own scandal.—
Leonard Greene,
New York Daily News,
9 Mar. 2025
-
Fleming’s internal polling shows him in a close race against the incumbent senator.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Her teachings focus on necessary skills in death and death education without ignoring the crucial business and marketing training side.—
Zoey Lyttle,
People.com,
7 Mar. 2025
-
Additional studies are necessary to understand how acetyl-L-carnitine impacts neuropathy and whether the benefit depends on the type of neuropathy.—
Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN,
Verywell Health,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
While industries across the board are struggling with labor shortages, the energy sector’s challenge is uniquely urgent.—
Brynn Cooksey,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
-
One senior British military official and a former U.S. official said while military and defense-focused officials embroiled in security debates feel the urgent need for increasing defense spending, this had not trickled down to the ordinary person in several NATO countries.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to watch the BRIT Awards in the US with AtlasVPN.—
Monica Mercuri,
StyleCaster,
1 Mar. 2025
-
Refer to your owner’s manual for specific filter removal instructions.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
But private credit today has expanded to countless other assets: non-qualifying residential mortgages, aviation finance, consumer lending, middle market collateralized loan obligations and music royalties.—
Andrew Curtis,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
-
The person literally has no specific duties or obligations outlined in the state constitution other than remaining alive.—
Scott Maxwell,
Orlando Sentinel,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The intrigue: Other federal agencies receive money from Congress to make required employer contributions; the Post Office doesn't.—
Felix Salmon,
Axios,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Critics argue, though, that such crackdowns invariably ensnare the poor and the homeless in the criminal justice system, such as when a warrant is issued because someone with an initial summons doesn’t show up in court or pay the required fine.—
Julian Roberts-Grmela,
New York Daily News,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Influencing Without Authority For a tech leader, influencing without authority is essential.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
-
While safety is essential, true stability comes from economic opportunity — the chance to build a fulfilling life, regardless of your ZIP code.—
Carolina Chavez,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
For transition-age foster youth—those aging out of the foster care system—this challenge is even more acute.—
First Place for Youth,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
-
Saint Elizabeth in Chicago was also part of the deal, but Ascension previously announced plans to close the hospital, which sits on the city’s West Side, has 28 beds and treats acute mental illness.—
Lisa Schencker,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Imperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperative. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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