as in traditional
based on customs usually handed down from a previous generation
even in this age of e-mail the prescriptive response to a wedding gift is a handwritten thank-you note
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prescriptive
Today, geopolitical pressures and a more prescriptive regulatory environment—especially surrounding AI—have only entrenched the decision.
—
Charlie Campbell, Time, 24 Feb. 2026
The designer's favorite art pieces feel collected, considered, and personal rather than prescriptive.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026
The postpartum rebound, however, was much less prescriptive and more on their own terms.
—Kayla Blanton, Outside, 13 Feb. 2026
At its core, Carrier frames the museum’s responsibility as preservational rather than prescriptive.
—William Jones, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prescriptive
Charlie Campbell, Time, 24 Feb. 2026
The designer's favorite art pieces feel collected, considered, and personal rather than prescriptive.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026
The postpartum rebound, however, was much less prescriptive and more on their own terms.
—Kayla Blanton, Outside, 13 Feb. 2026
At its core, Carrier frames the museum’s responsibility as preservational rather than prescriptive.
—William Jones, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prescriptive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prescriptive
Adjective
-
The administrations of Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden maintained a traditional, strong alliance with Israel, including enormous military assistance, but avoided being drawn into sustained military combat in the Middle East.—
Arthur I. Cyr,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Here, the train rolls into one of Scotland’s most remote stations, arriving via a line built up on a raft of roots and brushwood because traditional foundations failed in the boggy ground.—
Rosie Conroy,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Friday the players got their rings, and as customary, this year’s were more elaborate than the last.—
Jim Alexander,
Oc Register,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Antonelli is so young he was denied the customary Champagne at the podium celebration for being under Japan’s legal drinking age of 20.—
Sahil Kapur,
NBC news,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The potential ground operation would reportedly fall short of a full-scale invasion but could involve raids by a mixture of Special Operations forces and conventional infantry troops, the officials were quoted as saying.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
30 Mar. 2026
-
But its conventional naval power looks severely degraded, while Western allies retain strong minesweeping capabilities that could be deployed to keep global trade flowing.—
Newsweek Editors,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prescriptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prescriptive. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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