IMPERATIVE Synonyms: 193 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'imperative' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of imperative are domineering , imperious , masterful , and peremptory . While all these words mean "tending to impose one's will on others," imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate. // an imperative appeal for assistance

Q: When would 'domineering' be a good substitute for 'imperative'?

The meanings of domineering and imperative largely overlap; however, domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will. // children controlled by domineering parents

Q: When is 'imperious' a more appropriate choice than 'imperative'?

While the synonyms imperious and imperative are close in meaning, imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance. // an imperious executive used to getting his own way

Q: When might 'masterful' be a better fit than 'imperative'?

Although the words masterful and imperative have much in common, masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively. // her masterful personality soon dominated the movement

Q: When is it sensible to use 'peremptory' instead of 'imperative'?

While in some cases nearly identical to imperative , peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent. // given a peremptory dismissal

imperative 1 of 2

adjective

im-ˈper-ə-tiv

Definition of imperative next

as in incumbent

forcing one's compliance or participation by or as if by law reporting signs of physical abuse is now an imperative duty for hospital and school personnel

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in necessary

impossible to do without proper equipment is imperative for the success of this chemical experiment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in urgent

needing immediate attention an imperative need for medical supplies in the earthquake-ravaged country

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

imperative

2 of 2

noun

as in instruction

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in obligation

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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word imperative distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of imperative are domineering, imperious, masterful, and peremptory. While all these words mean "tending to impose one's will on others," imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate.

an imperative appeal for assistance

When would domineering be a good substitute for imperative?

The meanings of domineering and imperative largely overlap; however, domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will.

children controlled by domineering parents

When is imperious a more appropriate choice than imperative?

While the synonyms imperious and imperative are close in meaning, imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance.

an imperious executive used to getting his own way

When might masterful be a better fit than imperative?

Although the words masterful and imperative have much in common, masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively.

her masterful personality soon dominated the movement

When is it sensible to use peremptory instead of imperative?

While in some cases nearly identical to imperative, peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent.

given a peremptory dismissal

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of imperative

Adjective

The president-elect’s message, the sources said, was that voters delivered Republicans a mandate, and installing Johnson as Speaker was imperative to begin the process of achieving the president-elect’s agenda. —

Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 4 Jan. 2025 Beyond physical environmental damage, the growth imperative and the necessity to maximize profits also incentivize rising wealth inequality and social instability. —

Aissa Dearing, JSTOR Daily, 9 Jan. 2025

Noun

Co-working spaces, billed as community hubs, combine the trappings of a self-selecting office with the cheery imperative to network. —

Adam Chandler, TIME, 2 Jan. 2025 Their imperatives are not factual but musical: melody, catchiness, rhythm, compression, singability (or rapability). —

Jon Pareles, New York Times, 28 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for imperative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperative

Adjective

Roosevelt, a Democrat, won in a sweeping landslide over the incumbent Republican Herbert Hoover and carried in powerful majorities in the House and Senate – tall talk for someone who had never been elected outside New York before, but the phrases would define the spirit of the era.

— Ron Elving, NPR, 18 Jan. 2025
Gold Glove Monopoly Both Ichiro and Jones won Gold Gloves for their outfield play 10 years in a row — a feat shared only by incumbent Hall of Famers Roberto Clemente, Willie Mays, and Ken Griffey, Jr.

— Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025