missive

noun

mis·​sive ˈmi-siv How to pronounce missive (audio)
Synonyms of missive
: a written communication : letter
wrote a lengthy missive to her father

Synonyms of missive

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Examples of missive in a Sentence

She received yet another lengthy missive from her father. the two old friends like to fire off missives filled with good-natured teasing and mock insults
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His missives inevitably become grist for that evening’s late-night shows. — Steven Andreasen, Twin Cities, 7 June 2026 City officials hope the missives remind people of the global response of support Orlando received after the tragedy. — Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 June 2026 The missive was signed by more than fifty current and former members of the House of Lords, among them Nicholas Soames, a grandson of Churchill. — News Desk, Artforum, 23 June 2026 Heuermann wrote back, but hasn’t responded to several follow-up missives from Jesperson, according to Toulon, who spoke to The Associated Press ahead of Heuermann’s sentencing Wednesday. — Philip Marcelo, Fortune, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for missive

Word History

Etymology

Middle French lettre missive, literally, letter intended to be sent

First Known Use

circa 1553, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of missive was circa 1553

Rhymes for missive

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Browse Nearby Words

miss its/the mark
missive
Miss Nancy
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Cite this Entry

“Missive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/missive. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on missive

Nglish: Translation of missive for Spanish Speakers

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