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
Whether driven by economic pressures, regulatory changes or the imperative to reduce carbon emissions, these companies are being pushed to reinvent themselves as key players in the power sector.
—
Junaid Ali, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for the imperative
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Junaid Ali, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
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
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 4 Jun. 2025.
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