1
as in instruction
a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned
the company president regularly issues directives intended for all staff members
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in decree
an order publicly issued by an authority
a directive issued by the archbishop that is to be read during Sunday services at every parish
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in memorandum
a written communication giving information or directions
a growing stack of unread directives from the company's senior vice president
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of directive
Instead of giving a directive, an effective ally provides options.
—
Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
But on April 8, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum changed that directive.
—Chiara Eisner, NPR, 17 May 2026
Those staffing shortfalls were exacerbated by DHS policies, including a directive that discouraged early release of elderly and sick detainees, and the gutting of oversight offices meant to flag safety risks and help hold immigration officials and contractors accountable for missteps.
—Rob Kuznia, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
State policies allowing transgender girls to compete against cis-gender athletes puts California at odds with federal directives.
—Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for directive
Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
But on April 8, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum changed that directive.
—Chiara Eisner, NPR, 17 May 2026
Those staffing shortfalls were exacerbated by DHS policies, including a directive that discouraged early release of elderly and sick detainees, and the gutting of oversight offices meant to flag safety risks and help hold immigration officials and contractors accountable for missteps.
—Rob Kuznia, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
State policies allowing transgender girls to compete against cis-gender athletes puts California at odds with federal directives.
—Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for directive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for directive
Noun
-
L’Equipe reported last week that Marseille’s staff were running out of patience with him and that Beye had interrupted a training session in frustration after the 24-year-old ignored his instructions.—
Tom Williams,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
-
For those wishing to hone their game, The Kingdom at Reynolds Lake Oconee, created in partnership with TaylorMade, offers innovative technology and personal instruction at the highest level.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
In September 1960, Fidel Castro’s government published a decree ordering the confiscation of all of it without compensation.—
Nora Gámez Torres,
Miami Herald,
13 May 2026
-
Zelensky then issued a magnanimous, droll decree, formally granting Putin permission to hold the parade.—
Anne Applebaum,
The Atlantic,
11 May 2026
Noun
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In March 2024, law enforcement received a tip that Rutherford had sold 235 rare coins at a Liberty jewelry store, according to the sentencing memorandum.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
14 May 2026
-
Balzano said the new suppression system was already under construction when the lawsuit was filed and stemmed from a memorandum of understanding signed in August 2025 with the city of Camden.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
The Chargers’ last game was a playoff loss to Vrabel’s Patriots, so nothing short of an edict from the NFL probably would have stopped the franchise’s social media team from referencing the Vrabel-Russini controversy.—
Senior Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
-
The first Super Bowl-winning quarterback in franchise history never had his number officially retired, but there was an unofficial edict not to issue it for much of the past decade.—
Zach Berman,
New York Times,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the judge's ruling.—
Jacob Rosen,
CBS News,
20 May 2026
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The Justice Department asked the Supreme Court to overturn a ruling requiring the government to process claims from people who reach a port of entry.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
In a different era, advertisers might have moved on to a new set of celebrities to help win notice.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
18 May 2026
-
The reorganization will be effectuated next month, at which time an official notice will be issued in the Federal Register.—
Gabrielle M. Etzel,
The Washington Examiner,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
According to the source, Foxx (who is already a dad of two) was working on getting his career back in order after his medical issues, leading to his brief breakup from Huckstepp.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
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The paella is large and the tapas are, of course, small so order accordingly and perhaps study the menu beforehand.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
The doctor–patient relationship is also frequently beset by dilemmas and decisions beyond the pathology at hand.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
-
The decision will allow physicians to administer puberty blockers and hormone therapy for teenagers experiencing gender dysphoria with the permission of their parents.—
Matthew Kelly
May 19,
Kansas City Star,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Directive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directive. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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