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
Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Attracting and maintaining a corps of substitute teachers is imperative.
—Michael Maguire, Boston Herald, 27 May 2025
John Drake, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
The October 7th barbaric attack created a compelling imperative for Israel to ensure Hamas could never again reign over Gaza or threaten Israel from there.
—Ehud Barak, Time, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for imperative
Adjective
Another point guard, whether that is Dillingham elevating or adding a veteran via free agency or trade, is imperative.
—Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Attracting and maintaining a corps of substitute teachers is imperative.
—Michael Maguire, Boston Herald, 27 May 2025
Noun
Scientific leadership is not a luxury but a national imperative — essential to economic prosperity, public health, national security and cultural vitality.
—John Drake, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
The October 7th barbaric attack created a compelling imperative for Israel to ensure Hamas could never again reign over Gaza or threaten Israel from there.
—Ehud Barak, Time, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for imperative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperative
Adjective
-
The Trump era has a tendency to eschew surprise, but this kind of language from a governor aimed at an incumbent president feels unprecedented.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
13 June 2025
-
Bresnahan, who flipped a blue seat in November by beating incumbent Rep. Matt Cartwright, knows his career in Congress depends on delivering for his northeastern Pennsylvania district that includes Scranton, former President Joe Biden’s hometown.—
Hailey Bullis,
The Washington Examiner,
10 June 2025
Adjective
-
But policy continuity is key to attracting the foreign investment necessary to realize these goals.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
13 June 2025
-
This can lead you to eat fewer calories and create a calorie deficit, which is necessary for fat loss.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
12 June 2025
Adjective
-
Arsenal’s reticence to spend on development players is understandable — particularly in the case of last January, when there was also an urgent need for a first-team centre-forward.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
-
In his urgent nonfiction debut, the writer—who was born in Cairo, grew up in Doha, moved to Canada, and now lives in rural Oregon—wrestles with his disillusionment with the West and its institutions, particularly given the indifference he’s observed in so many as the war rages on.—
Andrew R. Chow,
Time,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
The only instructions for the theater audience that night will be to get their butts in the seats before curtain.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
6 June 2025
-
Residents were advised to heed official warnings throughout the severe weather cycle and stay alert for any additional storm advisories or emergency instructions.—
Barney Henderson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
The United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency has declared that Iran is non-compliant with its nuclear obligations in a key vote.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
-
He’s expected to join AS Monaco soon, whether that’s through a loan deal with an obligation or option to buy.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
Adjective
-
Enacted after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the SEVP rules and certification process were intended to encourage schools to report when students dropped out or no longer maintained a required courseload and to remove fraudulent or illegitimate schools.—
Stuart Anderson,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
-
This comes to a head when he is faced with the F.A.A.’s required medical questionnaire.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
25 May 2025
Adjective
-
Plus, tiny insects can find their way into strawberry crevices, so careful washing is essential to protect your health.—
Stacey Lastoe,
Southern Living,
8 June 2025
-
Emotional requirements: Compassion, patience and resilience are all essential but don’t expect emotional support in return.—
JJ Holmes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 June 2025
Adjective
-
Exposure is linked to worsening symptoms in those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but acute cardiovascular risks, including heart attacks and strokes, may be even more pronounced.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
-
Timeline Expectations: The Long Road of Grief Normal grief timeline: Most young adults begin to experience some relief from acute grief symptoms within 6-12 months, though grief waves can continue for years.—
Charell G. Coleman,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Imperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperative. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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