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
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of imperative
Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 28 July 2025
The devices are considered imperative to reactor safety, according to the Energy Education project at the University of Calgary.
—Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 26 July 2025
Tom Ridge, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
In both cases, Trump seems to have found an Achilles’ heel for some media conglomerates: that protecting First Amendment freedoms is of secondary importance to their business imperatives.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for imperative
Adjective
In the 2023-24 season, the club came fifth in the Eredivisie table, their worst finish since the 1990s, and because Ajax struggle financially without the Champions League, doing much better domestically is imperative.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 28 July 2025
The devices are considered imperative to reactor safety, according to the Energy Education project at the University of Calgary.
—Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 26 July 2025
Noun
This principled shift is both a moral necessity and a strategic imperative for stability and peace in Iran and the region.
—Tom Ridge, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
In both cases, Trump seems to have found an Achilles’ heel for some media conglomerates: that protecting First Amendment freedoms is of secondary importance to their business imperatives.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for imperative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperative
Adjective
-
Mamdani, now the Democratic nominee, faces challenges from independent Andrew Cuomo, who the former Democratic governor of the state, incumbent Mayor Eric Adams (also running as an independent), and Republican Curtis Sliwa.—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 July 2025
-
Ossoff is the only incumbent Democratic senator from a state Trump won in 2024 who is up for re-election in November 2026.—
Daniel S. Levine,
People.com,
29 July 2025
Adjective
-
In an industry where reinvention is often necessary for survival, White’s consistency on Wheel of Fortune has been her greatest asset.—
Erin Spencer Sairam,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
-
No experience is necessary and all fitness levels are welcome.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
Sutton added that with higher participation in an opt-in system, emergency managers could use that channel for less urgent alerts and conserve IPAWS alerts for the most high-risk situations.—
Bayliss Wagner,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
-
For many who’ve been on the ground preventing violence in their communities, the debate at the Capitol feels urgent.—
Andrea May Sahouri,
Freep.com,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
Opt-in systems are most effective when paired with instruction about disasters and how to respond to warnings, Sellnow said, making education a crucial responsibility of local governments.—
Bayliss Wagner,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
-
Proponents of cursive instruction point to studies that indicate cursive instruction can help students improve memory and information retention, versus taking notes on a computer.—
Arpan Lobo,
Freep.com,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
The Texas Data Privacy and Security Act, which went into effect in July, creates transparency and disclosure obligations on the collection of consumer data.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
-
Under this doctrine, consistent and general state practice, when coupled with a sense of legal obligation, crystallizes into binding legal norms.—
Majeed Javdani,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
Adjective
-
No required Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification from the company was viewable on the state’s Labor and Economic Opportunity website as of the morning of Wednesday, July 23.—
Darcie Moran,
Freep.com,
24 July 2025
-
The petition drive was a required step to keep the cityhood application process going.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
The truth is, digestion is an essential part of the wellness and health conversation.—
Ariana Yaptangco,
Glamour,
15 July 2025
-
Justin brings an inherent understanding of my company that is essential for its growth.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
This is sometimes called an acute dystonia reaction.—
Ruth Jessen Hickman,
Health,
25 July 2025
-
In Gaza City, 16% of 15,000 children were found to suffer from acute malnutrition, quadruple the percentage from February.—
Scott Neuman,
NPR,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Imperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperative. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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