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
Jen Murphy, Outside, 1 Feb. 2026
That means fresh bodies and a deep rotation are imperative.
—Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 30 Jan. 2026
Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 4 Feb. 2026
Upon adding his name to the list of cosponsors on Friday, the former Kansas City mayor cast the effort to remove Noem as a moral imperative.
—Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for imperative
Adjective
In an era where loneliness is a global health concern, building social time into your lifestyle is imperative.
—Jen Murphy, Outside, 1 Feb. 2026
That means fresh bodies and a deep rotation are imperative.
—Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
At the same time, there is a very strong imperative for independence.
—Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 4 Feb. 2026
Upon adding his name to the list of cosponsors on Friday, the former Kansas City mayor cast the effort to remove Noem as a moral imperative.
—Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for imperative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperative
Adjective
-
The Sun Sentinel Editorial Board recommends that Pembroke Pines voters re-elect two capable and conscientious incumbent commissioners.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Jenks ran as a Republican candidate for the Idaho House of Representatives in 2014 but lost with 36% of the vote to the incumbent Democrat.—
Sally Krutzig,
Idaho Statesman,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
During a government shutdown, all federal functions necessary for public safety, national security and protecting government property may continue, though employees work without pay.—
Riley Beggin,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Still, some major employers either believe AI tools will make junior staff more productive, as is the case with IBM, or that challenging early-career workers was necessary to maintain a talent pipeline, as PwC argues.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Griffiths and Smith meet on Zoom, spending the first 15 to 20 minutes talking through current challenges, followed by a 30- to 40-minute hypnotherapy session to specifically target her urgent issues.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The family's latest message as the urgent search for Nancy Guthrie enters its eighth day.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The lack of communication instructions led family members to make video appeals to any abductors in consultation with the FBI, with Savannah Guthrie urging anyone holding her for firm proof her mother was alive.—
Chris Kenning,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
-
How many times after making a mistake does Romero ignore tactical instructions and charge up the pitch in desperation to score a goal or wipe out an opponent?—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But when a mysterious stranger begins blackmailing Neve, she is forced to compromise every legal, moral and ethical obligation to gain an acquittal — or else risk her dark secrets being exposed.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Earlier this month, Parisian officials conducted a search of facilities connected to Elon Musk’s X as part of an investigation into regulatory obligations.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
They are focused on the human injustices wrought by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers who have stopped cars on roadsides, rounded up job-seekers and even laid in wait outside hearing rooms to detain people complying with required appearances in immigration court.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The floor initially existed as a score consisting of the project drawings and the required materials; the final shape was left to the team, with the sole instruction not to clean or organize them neatly.—
K. Desbouis,
Artforum,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Accurate alignment of these motors is essential to ensure synchronized gripper motion when folding fabric.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Remove permissions that are not essential.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The death certificate listed Fisher’s cause of death as septic shock, a bacterial infection, acute kidney failure and pneumonia.—
Theresa Clift,
Sacbee.com,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Though the consequences of the cold have been widespread and acute—travel disruptions, power outages and scores of deaths—the warm western winter will also take a toll.—
Andrea Thompson,
Scientific American,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Imperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperative. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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