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
Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 May 2026
That gang rebounding mentality will be imperative in this series.
—Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 3 May 2026
Jon Schuppe, NBC news, 7 May 2026
The first imperative at this time is to rein in the executive branch and re-establish the powers granted to Congress as stated in our Constitution.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for imperative
Adjective
Partnering with the county, mental health and substance providers and the CARE Court program is imperative.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 May 2026
That gang rebounding mentality will be imperative in this series.
—Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 3 May 2026
Noun
The bill, which now will be referred to House committees, does not yet have any Republican co-sponsors, imperative for the bill to build enough support to become law.
—Jon Schuppe, NBC news, 7 May 2026
The first imperative at this time is to rein in the executive branch and re-establish the powers granted to Congress as stated in our Constitution.
—Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for imperative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperative
Adjective
-
Whisk Aero Gen 6 Boeing subsidiary Whisk Aero gives us an insight into how incumbent aviation leaders are reacting to the emergence of personal air transport.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
-
Spencer Pratt is now a real political contender in Los Angeles, with a shot to unseat incumbent Mayor Karen Bass.—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
15 May 2026
-
Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you’re not caught outside.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Daily News,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
That argument has a quietly urgent edge.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
17 May 2026
-
That mission became increasingly urgent through the Parents' Network, an initiative created to support families whose children have been harmed by social media platforms and to connect them with others going through similar situations.—
Stephanie Petit,
PEOPLE,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
L’Equipe reported last week that Marseille’s staff were running out of patience with him and that Beye had interrupted a training session in frustration after the 24-year-old ignored his instructions.—
Tom Williams,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
-
For those wishing to hone their game, The Kingdom at Reynolds Lake Oconee, created in partnership with TaylorMade, offers innovative technology and personal instruction at the highest level.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
Post-Adverse Outcome Disclosure Obligations The replacement bill also creates disclosure obligations after an adverse outcome.—
Alonzo Martinez,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
-
The director bills it as a five-day road movie, with Mann journeying with his citizen-of-the-world daughter, Erika; the duo unable to attend the funeral of Klaus, Mann’s son, Erika’s brother, due to their obligations on the road.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Graphics software was not easy to use, unintuitive and required training.—
Ellen Sheng,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
-
The second emergency board, which released a report on March 16, extended by 60 days the required cooling-off period.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Jumping from one idea to another, from one flavor of the month to the next, there seems to be no clarity, consistency or essential golden thread to Harry and Meghan’s work, although Meghan, known as the 24-carat master rebrander, is continuously rebranding herself.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
-
Border plants play an essential role in unifying gardens.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
19 May 2026
Adjective
-
Are more acute vulnerabilities being exposed by the rise in yields, and will elevated inflation expectations create an undertow to equity valuations?—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
-
Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome affects the kidneys and causes a wide range of symptoms, including blurred vision, low blood pressure, acute shock, internal bleeding and kidney failure.—
Mary Whitfill Roeloffs,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Imperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperative. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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