prescriptive

adjective

pre·​scrip·​tive pri-ˈskrip-tiv How to pronounce prescriptive (audio)
1
: serving to prescribe
prescriptive rules of usage
2
: acquired by, founded on, or determined by prescription or by long-standing custom
prescriptively adverb

Examples of prescriptive in a Sentence

Critics claim the new rules are too prescriptive. even in this age of e-mail the prescriptive response to a wedding gift is a handwritten thank-you note
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The hearing care profession is navigating a transition between long-standing prescriptive models and a fast-moving over-the-counter market. Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025 Trust enables those in uniform to work together within a common purpose and intent, rather than prescriptive orders, and this fosters professional creativity while maximizing efficiency and success. Mary Crossan, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 Mature digital twins typically have multiple functions to them, and Amazon’s are primarily used for predictive and prescriptive recommendations focused on remedying issues preemptively. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 11 Mar. 2025 Its software is used in performance engineering, modeling and design, supply chain management, predictive and prescriptive maintenance, digital grid management and industrial data management. Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prescriptive

Word History

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prescriptive was in 1663

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Cite this Entry

“Prescriptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescriptive. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

Legal Definition

prescriptive

adjective
pre·​scrip·​tive pri-ˈskrip-tiv How to pronounce prescriptive (audio)
1
: serving to prescribe
prescriptive rules
2
: acquired by, founded on, or constituting prescription
a prescriptive right
a longer prescriptive period
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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