prescriptive
adjective
pre·scrip·tive
pri-ˈskrip-tiv 
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
The time is right for PBM reform, but the American people might be better served if Congress goes back to the drawing board and takes a different approach, one that is less bureaucratically prescriptive but enables change.
—
Rita Numerof, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
The book is by no means meant to be prescriptive, but rather serves as a guide for those looking for a starting point.
—Rosana Lai, Glamour, 1 Jan. 2025
Without being prescriptive or adding layers of judgment—both are contrary to the holistic process—the overarching concept for more advanced adopters’ veers toward women-owned, BIPOC, and regenerative brands.
—Esther Adams Achara, Vogue, 1 Jan. 2025
In a recent interview, Manfred indicated that the ability to market the game by keeping starting pitchers – many of the game’s biggest stars – on the mound for extended periods – five or six innings —could not be done in a prescriptive way.
—Maury Brown, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
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Rita Numerof, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
The book is by no means meant to be prescriptive, but rather serves as a guide for those looking for a starting point.
—Rosana Lai, Glamour, 1 Jan. 2025
Without being prescriptive or adding layers of judgment—both are contrary to the holistic process—the overarching concept for more advanced adopters’ veers toward women-owned, BIPOC, and regenerative brands.
—Esther Adams Achara, Vogue, 1 Jan. 2025
In a recent interview, Manfred indicated that the ability to market the game by keeping starting pitchers – many of the game’s biggest stars – on the mound for extended periods – five or six innings —could not be done in a prescriptive way.
—Maury Brown, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prescriptive
Articles Related to prescriptive
Dictionary Entries Near prescriptive
Cite this Entry
“Prescriptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescriptive. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
prescriptive
adjective
pre·scrip·tive
pri-ˈskrip-tiv
1
: serving to prescribe
prescriptive rules
2
: acquired by, founded on, or constituting prescription
a prescriptive right
a longer prescriptive period
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