prescriptive

adjective

pri-ˈskrip-tiv How to pronounce prescriptive (audio)
Definition of prescriptivenext
as in traditional
based on customs usually handed down from a previous generation even in this age of e-mail the prescriptive response to a wedding gift is a handwritten thank-you note

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of prescriptive When someone openly and continuously crosses your land for years, that use can gradually become a permanent legal right called a prescriptive easement. — Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 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 The notes were getting out of control and very prescriptive. — Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 15 June 2026 The strongest properties employ skilled, adaptive practitioners who adjust to the guest in front of them rather than march through a rigid itinerary — wellness, the experts argue, should feel intuitive rather than prescriptive. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for prescriptive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prescriptive
  1. traditional
  2. customary
  3. conventional
Adjective
  • Those include boys cross country, wrestling (duals or traditional), tennis and golf and girls cross country, cheerleading (competition or gameday), flag football, tennis and golf.
    — Chip Saye, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
  • In 2012, China occupied Scarborough Shoal, a traditional Filipino fishing ground inside the Philippines’ EEZ, endangering the lives of Philippine personnel and fishermen in the process.
    — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of traditional
Adjective
  • The simple answer is that air conditioning is not customary in France, and their architecture is traditionally not built to accommodate it well, even for those who are now desperately seeking relief.
    — Morgan Simon, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Vrabel has been messing with Jacas behind the scenes, giving him a hard time during team meetings, which is customary for rookies.
    — Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of customary
Adjective
  • The bar’s aesthetic verges on Brutalist, with walls made of concrete blocks, uniform round tables, and stone chairs affixed to the floor, but its offerings are a more conventional list of classic cocktails, including Spritzes and Negronis.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Using free waste materials alongside commercially scalable production processes makes this cutting-edge nanotechnology much cheaper to manufacture than conventional repellents.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of conventional

Browse Nearby Words

prescriptions
prescriptive
prescripts
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Cite this Entry

“Prescriptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prescriptive. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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