Synonyms of directives

directives

noun

plural of directive

1

as in instructions

a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned

the company president regularly issues directives intended for all staff members

Synonyms & Similar Words

• instructions
• edicts
• orders
• directions
• injunctions
• commandments
• dos
• imperatives
• decrees
• commands
• words
• requirements
• dictates
• behests
• charges
• mandates
• demands
• rules
• laws
• regulations
• precepts
• statutes
• prescriptions
• ordinances
• prescripts
• countermands
• counterorders

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• appeals
• petitions
• recommendations
• pleas
• proposals
• urgings
• suggestions
• entreaties

2

as in decrees

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

• decrees
• edicts
• rulings
• decisions
• proclamations
• resolutions
• diktats
• declarations
• announcements
• rescripts
• ukases
• bulls
• fiats
• determinations
• opinions
• verdicts
• diagnoses
• pronouncements
• conclusions
• judgments
• dicta
• manifestos
• deliverances
• calls
• canons
• encyclicals

3

as in memorandums

a written communication giving information or directions

a growing stack of unread directives from the company's senior vice president

Synonyms & Similar Words

• memorandums
• notices
• memos
• messages
• declarations
• letters
• announcements
• instructions
• reports
• proclamations
• pronouncements
• orders
• words
• edicts
• mails
• postings
• bulletins
• notifications
• commands
• directions
• dictates
• dispatches
• notes
• releases
• rescripts
• charges
• posts
• epistles
• missives
• pronunciamentos
• encyclicals
• jottings

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of directives

The proclamation reiterates the administration's goals with NASA's Artemis program to return American astronauts to the moon by 2028 and eventually sending astronauts to Mars, but introduces no new funding, programs or policy directives. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2026

State agencies like the Florida Highway Patrol have aggressively pursued ICE directives. — Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026

Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain concluded that Olson violated two department directives, including rules governing conduct unbecoming an officer and conduct toward fellow employees. — Brian Maass, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Wednesday’s filing marks the latest escalation in the legal fight over conditions at the facility and the government’s lack of compliance with the court’s directives. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

Also, training manuals, internal guidelines or directives and calls for emergency help are expected to be included in her formal order. — New York Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Individual campuses in the CSU and UC can create their own policies in addition to systemwide directives. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026

In a statement, ICE downplayed the significance of the memo, which said the new guidance was intended to replace and amend prior directives issued earlier this year, last year and in 2018. — Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026

How could one holy book give its readers such seemingly contradictory directives? — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026