prescriptive
adjective
pre·scrip·tive
pri-ˈskrip-tiv 
1
: serving to prescribe
prescriptive rules of usage
2
: acquired by, founded on, or determined by prescription or by long-standing custom
prescriptively
adverb
Examples of prescriptive in a Sentence
Critics claim the new rules are too prescriptive.
even in this age of e-mail the prescriptive response to a wedding gift is a handwritten thank-you note
Recent Examples on the Web
Loui Burke has built a following on Instagram around prescriptive bed-making guidelines.
—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
1 July 2026
Tailoring became lighter, proportions relaxed and layering more instinctive, creating wardrobes that feel versatile rather than prescriptive.
—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
29 June 2026
When someone openly and continuously crosses your land for years, that use can gradually become a permanent legal right called a prescriptive easement.
—
Gary Singer,
Sun Sentinel,
25 June 2026
Users looking for more hands-on guidance around spending decisions may prefer a platform with a more prescriptive budgeting framework.
—
Nick Perry,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for prescriptive
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Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
1 July 2026
Tailoring became lighter, proportions relaxed and layering more instinctive, creating wardrobes that feel versatile rather than prescriptive.
—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
29 June 2026
When someone openly and continuously crosses your land for years, that use can gradually become a permanent legal right called a prescriptive easement.
—
Gary Singer,
Sun Sentinel,
25 June 2026
Users looking for more hands-on guidance around spending decisions may prefer a platform with a more prescriptive budgeting framework.
—
Nick Perry,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for prescriptive
Cite this Entry
“Prescriptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescriptive. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
prescriptive
adjective
pre·scrip·tive
pri-ˈskrip-tiv
1
: serving to prescribe
prescriptive rules
2
: acquired by, founded on, or constituting prescription
a prescriptive right
a longer prescriptive period
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