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
The legislators in Springfield proved that the imperative of supporting our children transcends partisan politics.
—
Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025
At a time when bond yields across the euro-zone have converged and when the imperative to boost defence spending and embark on the investment and savings union (capital markets union) is rising, Europe needs a strong France and the involvement of Emmanuel Macron.
—Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
In other words, this financing model can balance the need to manage financial risk with the imperative to promote innovation.
—Cristian Randieri, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
Hemsley will have to reckon with the imperative of striking a better balance in UHG’s priorities.
—Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for the imperative
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Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025
At a time when bond yields across the euro-zone have converged and when the imperative to boost defence spending and embark on the investment and savings union (capital markets union) is rising, Europe needs a strong France and the involvement of Emmanuel Macron.
—Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
In other words, this financing model can balance the need to manage financial risk with the imperative to promote innovation.
—Cristian Randieri, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
Hemsley will have to reckon with the imperative of striking a better balance in UHG’s priorities.
—Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 2 June 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 20 Jul. 2025.
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