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Showing results for imperative. Search instead for imperativisches.
Definitions

imperative

[im-per-uh-tiv] / ɪmˈpɛr ə tɪv /
ADJECTIVE
necessary
Synonyms
STRONGEST
compulsory critical crucial essential immediate important indispensable inescapable obligatory pressing urgent vital
STRONG
acute burning crying instant
WEAK
clamant clamorous exigent importunate insistent no turning back
Antonyms
STRONGEST
inessential insignificant nonessential optional trivial uncritical unimportant unnecessary voluntary
WEAK
discretionary free secondary unrestrained
ADJECTIVE
authoritative
Synonyms
STRONG
bidding dominant imperial ordering stern
WEAK
aggressive autocratic bossy commanding dictatorial domineering harsh high-handed imperious overbearing peremptory powerful
Antonyms
WEAK
discretionary free inessential optional secondary unnecessary unrestrained voluntary

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"The US has changed. That's their right and we are responding. That is our imperative," the prime minister said in Ottawa.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

That’s because public-health leaders are uniquely positioned to address affordability — not just as an economic issue, but as a public-health imperative.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

The museum has produced a dense guidebook to the new galleries, whose title, “Wander,” doubles as invitation and imperative.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

"I think it's imperative that the changes get implemented as quickly as possible", said the boy's father.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Yet some innate imperative to make music has guaranteed its existence—a remarkable feat considering that music requires such intense cultural investment.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Vocabulary lists containing imperative

Night

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The Call of the Wild

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Language and Grammar - Introductory

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