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

President Trump on Thursday urged Congress to ‘‘FIX OUR INSANE IMMIGRATION LAWS NOW’’ — the latest in an oscillating series of directives about how quickly lawmakers should move on an issue that has fractured Republican lawmakers. — Washington Post, BostonGlobe.com, "Trump urges quick action on immigration, changing course once again," 6 July 2018 Other notable names to back the campaign include Plácido Domingo, James Blunt, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, while more than 30,000 songwriters, artists and creators have signed a petition in support of the copyright directive. — Richard Smirke, Billboard, "Paul McCartney Calls On European Parliament To Tackle Value Gap Ahead Of July 5 Copyright Vote," 4 July 2018 The Mirror state that the Russian billionaire Blues' owner has been forced out of the country as speculation grows that the British government is getting tough on foreign oligarchs as part of a new political directive. — SI.com, "Chelsea Owner Roman Abramovich Forced to Return to Russia Following Visa Expiration," 21 May 2018 But under scrutiny because of the Porter scandal, Kelly hastened his process and issued a public directive of changes. — Author: Philip Rucker, Ashley Parker, Josh Dawsey, Anchorage Daily News, "‘Jared has faded’: Inside the 28 days of White House tumult that left Kushner badly diminished," 2 Mar. 2018 As news of the Trump administration’s directive to rescind affirmative action policies made by President Barack Obama was announced on Tuesday, Black Twitter went online to share their frustrations with Trump—as well as their lack of surprise. — Essence.com, "Surprised That Trump Is Canceling Obama-Era Affirmative Action Policies? Black Twitter Isn't.," 4 July 2018 The Orioles went through June only sort of shifting their focus to the future, as executive vice president Dan Duquette said would be the new organizational directive, without much taking them off the pace of the game’s worst season in the process. — Jon Meoli, baltimoresun.com, "It's already July. Where do the Orioles stand on the trade market for their departing stars?," 2 July 2018 When parents are charged and jailed, their children are taken away — so the family separation is a by-product, and not a directive, driven by the new policy. — Sarah Mearhoff, Teen Vogue, "Fact-checking the Trump Administration on Migrant Family Separation," 20 June 2018 The special counsel was also tasked with exploring the possibility of collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign, but that was not the only or even prime directive here. — Chris Cillizza, CNN, "The 29 most provocative lines from Rudy Giuliani's interview with Chris Cuomo," 5 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.