imperatives

noun

plural of imperative
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

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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of imperatives Rarely do Washington’s strategic imperatives and humanitarian principles align so neatly. — Anna Nelson, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2026 Bringing the P&Ls together under single owners will reduce overlap, clarify accountability, and allow GMs to allocate capital more efficiently and effectively based on their strategic imperatives. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 2 Sep. 2026 Reinforce the importance of Corporate Taste and Capability as organizational imperatives to continue to maintain. — Nisha Talagala, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The writers also cited Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox assets, arguing that Fox’s independent creative voice has essentially been subsumed by Disney’s corporate imperatives. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 22 July 2026 Further, state leaders realize that the nation’s economic imperatives and our broader aspirations for education are two sides of the same coin. — Tim Knowles, Fortune, 8 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperatives
  1. instructions
  2. obligations
  3. edicts
  4. responsibilities
  5. directives
  6. needs
  7. orders
  8. duties
Noun
  • Because eligibility requirements, deadlines, and application procedures vary by state, be sure to follow the instructions provided by local election officials.
    — TIME Staff, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Prosecutor Mark Luckett said the duo were directed by a third person believed to be in Iran who coordinated plans and provided instructions on making a homemade chlorine bomb.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of instructions
Noun
  • Wall Street has expressed concerns about the company’s indebtedness — and taming its debt obligations will be a sizable chore for Ellison and his team.
    — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • This is especially important where AI affects customers, employees, financial decisions, legal obligations or public trust.
    — Jeffrey Bartel, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of obligations
Noun
  • The film by and large follows the edicts of Iranian neorealism, with unobtrusive observations and a naturalistic soundscape.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Many believe Beijing perceived Tung as a loyalist who would obey the Communist leadership’s edicts.
    — Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of edicts
Noun
  • An aircraft acquisition introduces a different set of responsibilities.
    — Alex Kowtun, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Partners must divide responsibilities, delegate to each other and determine who has the final say when their territories overlap.
    — Leslie John, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of responsibilities
Noun
  • Individual campuses in the CSU and UC can create their own policies in addition to systemwide directives.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
  • In a statement, ICE downplayed the significance of the memo, which said the new guidance was intended to replace and amend prior directives issued earlier this year, last year and in 2018.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of directives
Noun
  • Mercury in your 10th House squares Mars in your partnership zone, so another person’s needs or opinions may push against your plans, reputation, or sense of direction.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Although there is Palestinian opposition to a two-state solution, a growing proportion—now a majority—wants it, and yearns for more capable and responsible leadership that addresses their needs and provides security.
    — Michael Robbins, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of needs
Noun
  • Lisa walks in with everyone’s orders and walks out with three giant bags of fast-food goodness.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • If all goes to plan, orders are slated to ship worldwide in November; shipping starts at $15 for two devices in the US, Canada, and Australia.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of orders
Noun
  • Tate Nagy relinquished punt return duties to Keaton Kubecka Saturday.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The contract also establishes a binding grievance procedure and additional pay for employees who take on extra duties or are required to work on-site during an emergency.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of duties

Browse Nearby Words

imperative
imperatives
imperceptible
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Cite this Entry

“Imperatives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imperatives. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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