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
Melina Khan, USA Today, 12 June 2025
Perhaps the most telling objectives of the Trump administration’s sweeping directives have been orders issued to a number of major law firms in the United States.
—Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for directive
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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
The nationwide turmoil stemmed from Immigration and Customs Enforcement sweeps to detain immigrants living in the United States without legal status under the directive of President Donald Trump.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 12 June 2025
Perhaps the most telling objectives of the Trump administration’s sweeping directives have been orders issued to a number of major law firms in the United States.
—Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 12 June 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 17 Jun. 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
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