DIRECTIVE Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

directive

noun

Definition of directive

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

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

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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

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.

Recent Examples of directive Congress should require any major public health directive from an agency or its political leadership to include a scientific assessment describing the evidence, uncertainties, and why the action is proportionate to the threat. — Debra Houry, STAT, 28 Aug. 2026 The mayor and other commissioners are chosen by voters and can direct the city manager through resolutions and other directives to take actions for the city. — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, a full review of the procedures and directives in the use and oversight of Flock technology is underway, Bottoms said. — Mark Morales, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026 As they’ve mercifully been decreased from six to four to three over the last 50 years, so have the prime directives. — Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for directive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for directive

Noun

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have uncovered a new processor attack that can bypass defenses in Intel and AMD chips by exploiting a security gap lasting only a handful of instructions.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
John’s hacking skills prove useful, as does the T-800’s extensive firepower—although per John’s instructions, there are zero human fatalities.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of instruction

Noun

Iran is determined to smother any internal unrest Rezaei’s appointment came in a recent set of decrees by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, that formally set Iran’s new senior leadership, including top military posts.

— Lee Keath, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
The decree renames one of the four Great Lakes, while providing a legal and philosophical justification for the act.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of decree

Noun

As a consequence, the memorandum doesn’t address newer threats, such as drones.

— Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Pope Leo has spent the past year moving it through the bureaucratic steps needed to build it by creating a foundation, a memorandum with an Italian utility, and a joint commission.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of memorandum

Noun

Countless speakers left the Pale of Settlement – the territory in Eastern Europe where Jews had been granted permission to live under an edict of the Russian czars.

— Ilan Stavans, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
The president’s orders and edicts have no basis in reality, are nonsensical and are making our nation significantly less safe.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of edict

Noun

The Thursday ruling came after Democrats and voting rights groups filed a fresh round of lawsuits to comply with the recent Supreme Court decision.

— Lindsay Whitehurst, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Conor Fitzpatrick, an attorney with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, which brought the lawsuit, praised the ruling.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of ruling

Noun

Starring Leisa Gwenllian in a breakout role, Marc Evans’ (Mr Burton) film drew strong notices this summer, especially for its lead.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026
Another student parked in the bike rack at nearby John Wayne Park and found a notice from Newport Beach Public Works stating that his e-bike will be confiscated if it's not removed within 24 hours.

— Michele Gile, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of notice

Noun

If the teams refuse to enroll the players who benefit from the TRO, those players could petition Hoffman to clarify that his order also blocks the SEC from punishing schools.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Aug. 2026
The draft order was picked at random, but the league’s players didn’t pick a number out of a hat or see who could hit a golf shot closest to a hole.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of order

Noun

Kroenke’s decision to purchase the Angels at a record $4 billion valuation has not impacted Trout’s plans to remain in Southern California.

— Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
The games present overly simplified worlds devoid of civilians, children, and animals, and there are no lasting consequences for players’ decisions.

— Susan Page, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of decision

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directions

directive

directives

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“Directive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directive. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of directive

noun

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