prescriptive

adjective

pre·​scrip·​tive pri-ˈskrip-tiv How to pronounce prescriptive (audio)
Synonyms of prescriptivenext
1
: serving to prescribe
prescriptive rules of usage
2
: acquired by, founded on, or determined by prescription or by long-standing custom
prescriptively adverb

Synonyms of prescriptive

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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
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.
The notes were getting out of control and very prescriptive. — Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 15 June 2026 Wellness should feel intuitive, not prescriptive. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2026 Loui Burke has built a following on Instagram around prescriptive bed-making guidelines. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 1 July 2026 Users looking for more hands-on guidance around spending decisions may prefer a platform with a more prescriptive budgeting framework. — Nick Perry, USA Today, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for prescriptive

Word History

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prescriptive was in 1663

Rhymes for prescriptive

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Browse Nearby Words

prescriptionist
prescriptive
prescriptivist
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Cite this Entry

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

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Legal Definition

prescriptive

adjective
pre·​scrip·​tive pri-ˈskrip-tiv How to pronounce prescriptive (audio)
1
: serving to prescribe
prescriptive rules
2
: acquired by, founded on, or constituting prescription
a prescriptive right
a longer prescriptive period
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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