categorical imperative
noun
: a moral obligation or command that is unconditionally and universally binding
Examples of categorical imperative in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The midnight debates over Nietzsche, the lifelong friendships forged in overpriced cafeterias, the occasional tipsy revelation about the categorical imperative.
—
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
That stance has proved less enduring than his categorical imperative.
—
Spencer Strub,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
But the categorical imperative of politics—governing—generally prevailed.
—
Gerard Baker,
WSJ,
9 Jan. 2023
But Be Here Now is a case study in the categorical imperative of rocking.
—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
21 Aug. 2022
Kant introduced the world to the theory of the categorical imperative; Larry, the chat-and-cut.
—
Meredith Blake,
latimes.com,
29 Sep. 2017
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.
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
That stance has proved less enduring than his categorical imperative.
—
Spencer Strub,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
But the categorical imperative of politics—governing—generally prevailed.
—
Gerard Baker,
WSJ,
9 Jan. 2023
But Be Here Now is a case study in the categorical imperative of rocking.
—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
21 Aug. 2022
Kant introduced the world to the theory of the categorical imperative; Larry, the chat-and-cut.
—
Meredith Blake,
latimes.com,
29 Sep. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Categorical imperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/categorical%20imperative. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
