the imperative
noun
grammar
: the form that a verb or sentence has when it is expressing a command
"Eat your spinach!" is in the imperative.
Examples of the imperative in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Despite the controversy, for the Hilton, that doesn't change the imperative to serve.
—
Major Garrett, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2025
In practical and spiritual terms, social justice represents the imperative that everyone must use their position to advocate for the most vulnerable and marginalized in society.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
With investment accelerating across industries, the imperative is clear: integrate AI agents into core workflows now, or risk falling behind.
—Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Beyond changes in personnel, another force has worked to suppress the EU’s regulatory prowess: the imperative of competitiveness.
—Anu Bradford, Foreign Affairs, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the imperative
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Major Garrett, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2025
In practical and spiritual terms, social justice represents the imperative that everyone must use their position to advocate for the most vulnerable and marginalized in society.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
With investment accelerating across industries, the imperative is clear: integrate AI agents into core workflows now, or risk falling behind.
—Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Beyond changes in personnel, another force has worked to suppress the EU’s regulatory prowess: the imperative of competitiveness.
—Anu Bradford, Foreign Affairs, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the imperative
Cite this Entry
“The imperative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20imperative. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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