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.
Long live the movies, Dana & Josh The missive comes just hours after Skydance co-CEO David Ellison sent his own memo. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026 Satenstein spent her years at Vogue writing about all things vintage—dashing off missives about everything from must-have pieces from Tom Ford’s Gucci to Nicolas Ghesquière’s legendary Balenciaga era. — Irene Kim, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026 Other online missives expressed optimism, but many revealed some combination of grief, confusion, and fear. — Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026 Clocking in at a meager 130 words, the statement was even shorter than July’s, which was 166 words, and was tied with the June missive. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 16 Sep. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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