IMPERATIVES Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

imperatives

noun

plural of imperative

as in instructions

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in obligations

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

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 imperatives Reinforce the importance of Corporate Taste and Capability as organizational imperatives to continue to maintain. — Nisha Talagala, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 But the United States is capable of balancing these two imperatives. — Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 The writers also cited Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox assets, arguing that Fox’s independent creative voice has essentially been subsumed by Disney’s corporate imperatives. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 22 July 2026 Further, state leaders realize that the nation’s economic imperatives and our broader aspirations for education are two sides of the same coin. — Tim Knowles, Fortune, 8 July 2026 Efforts to strengthen domestic supply chains, upgrade advanced manufacturing, and invest heavily in strategic technologies, from cutting-edge semiconductors to next-generation 6G connectivity, are framed not merely as economic initiatives, but as imperatives of national security. — Yu Jie, Time, 13 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperatives

Noun

All fungicides should be used cautiously and according to the label instructions.

— Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of instructions

Noun

Some of the film’s chaos is by design to clue viewers into the demands and desires of Ryan’s life as his obligations pull him in countless competing directions.

— Marshall Shaffer, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2026
Those skipping the event cite plans in their districts and other obligations.

— Joey Garrison, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of obligations

Noun

The president’s orders and edicts have no basis in reality, are nonsensical and are making our nation significantly less safe.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
Those who oppose the Mexican Mafia, or fail to follow the edicts of the gang’s leaders, are often targeted for beatings or even death.

— Sean Emery, Oc Register, 22 July 2026

Definition of edicts

Noun

Though essentially transportation hubs, airports have more responsibilities than simply flying passengers in and out like cargo.

— Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 3 Sep. 2026
Eventually, the involved parties framed it as a mutual decision to allow Kiffin to focus on his new FAU head coach responsibilities.

— John Talty, Vanity Fair, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of responsibilities

Noun

Nearly one-third of Americans vote by mail and election officials contend there isn’t enough time to revise their systems to comply with the new Postal Service directives.

— Lindsay Whitehurst, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Nearly one-third of Americans vote by mail, and election officials contend there isn’t enough time to revise their systems to comply with the new Postal Service directives.

— Nicholas Riccardi, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of directives

Noun

Hugging Face co-founder Thomas Wolf said in a social media post Monday that people were starting to monitor the Microduck supply chain, as the company sees a strong rush for orders.

— Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
In effect, this would crowdfund assassinations in which many parties were interested but no one gave any direct orders.

— Finn Brunton, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of orders

Noun

Welch did not remove Benton from his committee assignments and other caucus duties until February.

— Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
The threat of shortages pushed countries across Asia to impose export bans, cut import duties, and start rationing fuel to maintain supplies.

— Katie Silver, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of duties

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imperative

imperatives

imperceptible

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“Imperatives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperatives. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of imperatives

noun

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