directive

adjective

di·rec·tive | \də-ˈrek-tiv,

dī-\

Definition of directive

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : serving or intended to guide, govern, or influence a directive method

2 : serving to point direction specifically : directional sense 1b directive microphones

3 psychology : of or relating to psychotherapy or counseling in which the counselor introduces information, content, or attitudes not previously expressed by the client

directive

noun

Definition of directive (Entry 2 of 2)

: something that serves to direct, guide, and usually impel toward an action or goal especially, government : an authoritative order or instrument issued by a high-level body or official a presidential directive

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about directive

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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: Adjective

Most intriguingly, the new app will take a more directive approach to making suggestions to drivers about where to go and what to do. — Alexis C. Madrigal, The Atlantic, "3 Million Uber Drivers Are About to Get a New Boss," 10 Apr. 2018 Garcetti signed a directive two weeks ago prohibiting all city employees from using public resources to aide federal civil immigration actions. — The Washington Post, The Denver Post, "Attorney General Sessions seeks greater role for Justice Department in immigration enforcement," 1 Apr. 2017

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The race that has gotten the most attention in this sense is in Georgia, where the Republican candidate for governor has used his current powers as Georgia’s secretary of state to issue directives that could tilt the election in his favor. — German Lopez, Vox, "The right to vote is under siege in 2018," 6 Nov. 2018 Many schools have also designed emergency response directives to help guide faculty, staff, RAs, peer counselors, and fellow students assist students in crisis. — Rose Minutaglio, Marie Claire, "When You Can’t Rely on Your College for the Mental Health Help You Need," 10 Oct. 2018 The European Union will have its final vote on whether to pass the copyright directive in January. — Julia Alexander, The Verge, "YouTube CEO calls EU’s proposed copyright regulation financially impossible," 12 Nov. 2018 The directive is silent on the issue of providing higher wages to those prospective employees. — Eric Berger, Ars Technica, "Russian space leader issues decree against trash, “sloppy” work attitudes," 7 Nov. 2018 The directive passed with an overwhelming majority: 571 members voted for it. — Stavros Agorakis, Vox, "Vox Sentences: Suspicious packages," 25 Oct. 2018 Shortly after, Trump issued a directive to Priebus: Go to Sessions and secure his resignation, according to two people with knowledge of the episode. — Anchorage Daily News, "Trump sought release of classified Russia memo, putting him at odds with Justice Department," 28 Jan. 2018 Even though that directive was neutral about religion, the history and context, like Mr. Trump’s political rhetoric, suggested it was tainted by unconstitutional religious discrimination. — Charlie Savage, New York Times, "Korematsu, Notorious Supreme Court Ruling on Japanese Internment, Is Finally Tossed Out," 26 June 2018 The gathering of major civil rights leaders is to underscore our outrage at the horrible, immoral administrative directive to separate children from their parents. — Essence.com, "Black Leaders Blast Trump Administration For Detaining Children Of Immigrants And Demand End To Policy," 20 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'directive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.