Synonyms

proscriptive

American

[proh-skrip-tiv] / proʊˈskrɪp tɪv /

adjective

involving, imposing, or defining limits or prohibitions.

We want the guidelines to be useful, broadly applicable, and not overly proscriptive and narrow.
Rather than a proscriptive diet, in which the patient is limited to eating certain foods and measured portions, we encourage eating a wide range of foods in moderation.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of proscriptive

First recorded in 1740–50; from Latin prōscript-, stem of prōscrībere “to publish in writing” ( see proscribe ( def. )) + -ive ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Viewed this way, minding our p’s and q’s is less about proscriptive notions of correctness, and more about mindfulness, self-discovery and proper conduct.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 7, 2023

But it’s to Leaf’s credit that there’s nothing simplistic, and certainly nothing proscriptive, about how that closure takes place.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 13, 2023

“You can be anyone you want to be, free from proscriptive constructs and sensory needs,” said Lucie Greene, the founder of Light Years, a futures and brand strategy firm.

From New York Times • Jan. 20, 2022

How do we encourage and foster greater inclusivity in the arts and arts journalism without falling into a rigidly proscriptive approach?

From Slate • Dec. 30, 2020

Adj. prohibitive, prohibitory; proscriptive; restrictive, exclusive; forbidding &c. v. prohibited &c. v.; not permitted &c.

From Roget's Thesaurus by Roget, Peter Mark

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023