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

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 imperative

Adjective

Social responsibility is just as imperative as environmental action, and everyone in the value chain has the mantle to protect human rights. —

Sj Staff, Sourcing Journal, 24 Jan. 2025 Communication strategy and reputation management have officially evolved from peripheral support functions into imperative drivers of business value. —

Joann Yamani, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

Noun

Piccard argues that energy efficiency should be seen as an economic imperative, not just an ecological one. —

Felicia Jackson, Forbes, 31 Jan. 2025 Meanwhile, some of the newcomers showing at the event seem happy to forgo commercial imperatives in favor of producing handcrafted one-offs that cannot always be easily recreated in large numbers. —

Cathrin Schaer, WWD, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for imperative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperative

Adjective

Neither former Mayor Bill de Blasio nor incumbent Mayor Adams signed the Council bill; as both mayors were getting good legal advice.

— New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2025
Craig’s opponent, incumbent Republican Jason Lewis, spent $1.9 million.

— Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025