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Showing results for imperative.
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.

It added that it was "imperative that the appropriate time be allowed" in order for that to happen, while "support is given to the complainant to progress inquiries at their own pace".

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

She added: “It’s imperative that we find a way to speak up.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

The imperative now is to keep the pressure on.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Counter-unmanned-aircraft systems, or counter-UAS, have quietly migrated from a line item in defense budgets to a standalone strategic imperative.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

It was imperative that there be postulated against what or whom Ross’s crimes had been committed.

From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright

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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