the imperative
noun
grammar
: the form that a verb or sentence has when it is expressing a command
"Eat your spinach!" is in the imperative.
Examples of the imperative in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For some classic car enthusiasts, the imperative is preservation.
—
Sacbee.com, 20 July 2025
Fun was the imperative for us the whole way through.
—Megan McCluskey, Time, 18 July 2025
For pharma executives, the imperative is to partner boldly and measure relentlessly.
—Sindhya Valloppillil, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
With thoughtful policy and community input, towns can balance the need for homes with the imperative to protect the natural spaces that define their landscape and legacy.
—John Emmanuel, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for the imperative
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.
Sacbee.com, 20 July 2025
Fun was the imperative for us the whole way through.
—Megan McCluskey, Time, 18 July 2025
For pharma executives, the imperative is to partner boldly and measure relentlessly.
—Sindhya Valloppillil, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
With thoughtful policy and community input, towns can balance the need for homes with the imperative to protect the natural spaces that define their landscape and legacy.
—John Emmanuel, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for the imperative
Cite this Entry
“The imperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20imperative. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share