1
as in instructions
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obligations
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 imperatives
Efforts to strengthen domestic supply chains, upgrade advanced manufacturing, and invest heavily in strategic technologies, from cutting-edge semiconductors to next-generation 6G connectivity, are framed not merely as economic initiatives, but as imperatives of national security.
—
Yu Jie, Time, 13 May 2026
If allowed to stand, this poses problems for utilities, grid operators, and regulators who plan for decades-long timeframes, only to be overruled by short-term political imperatives that favor certain industries.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2026
In a new First Opinion essay, two researchers explain the importance of laboratories like this one, as well as the economic and moral imperatives to protect them.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 9 Apr. 2026
But there is no description that captures the many sides of the rabbi’s soul, and so Koestenbaum offers a gloriously Sisyphean attempt, a measure of respect for the human in all its biological imperatives and psychological complexity.
—Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
But where those efforts have been driven primarily by cultural imperatives, Prasad sees restoration increasingly as a commercial proposition – and one with global reach.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026
National security imperatives now suggest that Iran will go towards nuclear weapons — that their strategy over 20 years of trying to have an open nuclear program that could be monitored by [the International Atomic Energy Agency] was a mistake.
—Mishal Husain, Bloomberg, 13 Mar. 2026
According to McKinsey's 2024 research on productivity imperatives, productivity gaps between high and low performers increase by as much as 800% as task complexity rises.
—Marko Horvat, Forbes.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Indeed, the Framers recognized these imperatives, along with the tension inherent between congressional authority and the President’s role as Commander-in-Chief.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2026
Yu Jie, Time, 13 May 2026
If allowed to stand, this poses problems for utilities, grid operators, and regulators who plan for decades-long timeframes, only to be overruled by short-term political imperatives that favor certain industries.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2026
In a new First Opinion essay, two researchers explain the importance of laboratories like this one, as well as the economic and moral imperatives to protect them.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 9 Apr. 2026
But there is no description that captures the many sides of the rabbi’s soul, and so Koestenbaum offers a gloriously Sisyphean attempt, a measure of respect for the human in all its biological imperatives and psychological complexity.
—Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
But where those efforts have been driven primarily by cultural imperatives, Prasad sees restoration increasingly as a commercial proposition – and one with global reach.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026
National security imperatives now suggest that Iran will go towards nuclear weapons — that their strategy over 20 years of trying to have an open nuclear program that could be monitored by [the International Atomic Energy Agency] was a mistake.
—Mishal Husain, Bloomberg, 13 Mar. 2026
According to McKinsey's 2024 research on productivity imperatives, productivity gaps between high and low performers increase by as much as 800% as task complexity rises.
—Marko Horvat, Forbes.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Indeed, the Framers recognized these imperatives, along with the tension inherent between congressional authority and the President’s role as Commander-in-Chief.
—Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperatives
Noun
-
Add noodles and cook according to package instructions.—
Ryan Brennan
May 18,
Charlotte Observer,
18 May 2026
-
Follow evacuation instructions without delay.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Guests with work obligations, caregiving responsibilities or health considerations may not be able to fully disconnect, and most properties offer at least limited emergency communication options.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
16 May 2026
-
The Beatles only made three more films, largely to satisfy contractual obligations.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
My worry is edicts from Hartford.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
-
While many edicts are necessary to protect public safety, many more are redundant, wasteful and anti-competitive, piling on unnecessary costs and stymieing innovation.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
18 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Rather than romanticizing the awards-season whirlwind, Coon described the logistical reality behind it that includes 18-hour days, early-morning events, parenting responsibilities and the invisible labor required to sustain a performing career.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
18 May 2026
-
Sandweg said one of the director's most underappreciated responsibilities is managing that internal fault line, ensuring that ERO's highly visible arrest operations do not undermine HSI's ability to cultivate the confidential informants and foreign partnerships on which its work depends.—
Philip Wang,
Time,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Among other things, he was accused of being openly critical of college leadership and of failing to respond to or complete directives from college officials.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2026
-
Wang and Sun executed directives from PRC representatives and sometimes sought permission from Chinese government officials to post content, Wang’s plea agreement said.—
Alicia Victoria Lozano,
NBC news,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Mental-health support is often discussed in broad terms, but meaningful progress happens when care is local, comprehensive and responsive to the unique needs of individuals and families.—
Maria Bledsoe,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 May 2026
-
Arrests and citations do nothing to address these needs.—
Shianne LeClaire,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued in the area.—
Paris Barraza,
USA Today,
19 May 2026
-
In brief orders, the high court set aside lower court decisions and sent the cases back for further proceedings in light of its landmark ruling last month weakening Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.—
Melissa Quinn,
CBS News,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Fire engineers are typically responsible for maintaining fire engines and other equipment, driving fire engines, and connecting hoses to hydrants and other water sources, in addition to standard firefighter duties.—
Todd Feurer,
CBS News,
18 May 2026
-
Away from tarmac, the CX-5 is capable enough for light off-road duties.—
Matthew MacConnell,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Imperatives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperatives. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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