di·rec·tive
də-ˈrek-tiv 
dī-
1
: serving or intended to guide, govern, or influence
a directive method
2
: serving to point direction
3
psychology
: of or relating to psychotherapy or counseling in which the counselor introduces information, content, or attitudes not previously expressed by the client
Examples of directive in a Sentence
Noun
They received a written directive instructing them to develop new security measures.
the company president regularly issues directives intended for all staff members
Recent Examples on the Web
Dr. Samantha Madhosingh, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
This rapid advance is due to China’s more directive government but also the public’s willingness to embrace the tech.
—IEEE Spectrum, 11 Dec. 2024
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
The directive, issued by Attorney General Pam Bondi March 14, provides the first public view of the specific implementation of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act invoked to deport migrants accused of being members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
—Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for directive
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.
Adjective
While authoritarian leadership is generally considered harmful to employees, specific environments require a directive style that demands strict compliance (unlike bullying, which may include intimidation, threats, and undermining someone’s work).
—Dr. Samantha Madhosingh, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
This rapid advance is due to China’s more directive government but also the public’s willingness to embrace the tech.
—IEEE Spectrum, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
Her prosecution follows a broader directive from the Justice Department to pursue local officials who interfere with federal immigration enforcement amid Trump's immigration crackdown.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
The directive, issued by Attorney General Pam Bondi March 14, provides the first public view of the specific implementation of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act invoked to deport migrants accused of being members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
—Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for directive
Cite this Entry
“Directive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/directive. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
directive
adjective
di·rec·tive
də-ˈrek-tiv, dī-
: of or relating to psychotherapy in which the therapist introduces information, content, or attitudes not previously expressed by the client
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share