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

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

Furthermore, selling a business is extremely demanding work, so having appropriate incentives in place for the key executives of the business to be divested is imperative. —

Raj Sharma, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 Shutting him down will be imperative for the Sun Devils' chances on Saturday. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024

Noun

More:French President Macron rolls out the red carpet for Trump ahead of Notre Dame reopening That reflects not only his personal inclination to speak out on all matters but also foreign leaders' calculations about their imperative to move on. —

Susan Page, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024 Reforming this broken system is not only a moral imperative but also a practical necessity to prevent further erosion of public trust. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for imperative

Recent Examples of Synonyms for imperative

Adjective

Biden, the incumbent president strategically shuttled away from the national spotlight since his debate with Trump in June, was never heard from in the negotiations.

Alan Wooten | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Dec. 2024
Wilson County School Board Zone 1 Greg Hohman defeated incumbent Carrie Pfeiffer in Thursday's closest race.

Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024