imperative 1 of 2

adjective

im-ˈper-ə-tiv How to pronounce imperative (audio)
Definition of imperativenext
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

imperative

2 of 2

noun

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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word imperative distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of imperative are domineering, imperious, masterful, and peremptory. While all these words mean "tending to impose one's will on others," imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate.

an imperative appeal for assistance

When would domineering be a good substitute for imperative?

The meanings of domineering and imperative largely overlap; however, domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will.

children controlled by domineering parents

When is imperious a more appropriate choice than imperative?

While the synonyms imperious and imperative are close in meaning, imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance.

an imperious executive used to getting his own way

When might masterful be a better fit than imperative?

Although the words masterful and imperative have much in common, masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively.

her masterful personality soon dominated the movement

When is it sensible to use peremptory instead of imperative?

While in some cases nearly identical to imperative, peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent.

given a peremptory dismissal

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 imperative
Adjective
Such growth is imperative because stock prices tend to follow the path of corporate profits over the long term. — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 Weekly washes are imperative if pets sleep or lounge in your bed. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
For Gorbachev, this reflected both a sincere belief and an economic imperative. — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026 The informal conversation between CBS and the NFL will continue, and the two sides will remain in near-constant contact as the season gets underway, but there’s no imperative to get an early deal done. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for imperative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperative
  1. incumbent
  2. necessary
  3. urgent
  4. instruction
  5. obligation
  6. required
  7. essential
  8. acute
Adjective
  • He has been rumored as a possible hire at Giorgio Armani in the wake of the founder’s death one year ago, and mooted for such diverse brands as Kenzo and Calvin Klein, which currently have incumbent creative directors.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Many of the roles have been projected for several years to be among the fastest-growing, even preceding the generative AI boom and its incumbent electricity demands, for example.
    — Sarah Jackson, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of incumbent
Adjective
  • Addressing workers at the company’s headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume warned Tuesday that eliminating tens of thousands of jobs could be necessary to remain competitive.
    — Maegan Vazquez, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The equipment in the classroom is also outdated and no longer reaches performance capabilities necessary for modern digital art, web design and 2D and 3D imaging, officials said.
    — Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of necessary
Adjective
  • This is becoming more urgent, Azam says, as these disasters become more frequent, but experts lack data to better identify the areas that are most at risk of future disasters like this.
    — Diaa Hadid, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Amol Rajan, the BBC Radio 4 Today show presenter, has called for urgent action to save the UK national broadcaster from an existential emergency.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of urgent
Noun
  • Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have uncovered a new processor attack that can bypass defenses in Intel and AMD chips by exploiting a security gap lasting only a handful of instructions.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
  • John’s hacking skills prove useful, as does the T-800’s extensive firepower—although per John’s instructions, there are zero human fatalities.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of instruction
Noun
  • The company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
    — Emma Clapp, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • This is not just diversity as a social obligation but also diversity of expertise that maps to where your company is actually going.
    — Albana Vrioni, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of obligation
Adjective
  • Your school will apply the funds toward required costs like tuition and fees before sending any remaining amount to you.
    — Rebecca Safier, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The economics behind that shift are already influencing how some large companies deploy AI, with businesses becoming increasingly selective in matching individual tasks to models based on cost and required performance.
    — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of required
Adjective
  • Koeckeritz argued that a paved parking lot is an essential accessory to its main function — worship — not the principal use of the property across the street from the towering cathedral.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Which essential services, such as banks and postal delivery, will be closed?
    — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of essential
Adjective
  • Latest analysis from the UN World Food Programme (WFP) projects that by the end of 2027, as many as 274 million people worldwide could face acute food insecurity—an increase of approximately 49 million from current levels.
    — , CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Her cause of death was reportedly cardiac arrest, with acute hypoxic respiratory failure and status asthmaticus, or severe asthma, listed as contributing conditions.
    — KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of acute

Browse Nearby Words

impenitent
imperative
imperatives
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Cite this Entry

“Imperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperative. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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