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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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
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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
The administration also implemented hiring freezes and mass layoffs and in February issued a directive giving federal employees the choice of accepting a resignation package which included salary payments until the end of September or risk future layoffs.
—
Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
During the recent protests across Indonesia, Tapsell says the broadcasting commission issued a directive discouraging media outlets from covering the protests live.
—Ashish Valentine, NPR, 30 Sep. 2025
Neither of the government agency’s offices replied to ITK’s request for comment about the status of the president’s directive.
—Judy Kurtz, The Hill, 30 Sep. 2025
In addition, the FCC can’t issue rules or directives that require regulated companies—such as broadcasters, telecommunications firms, or internet providers—to promote or silence political viewpoints.
—Essence, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for directive
Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
During the recent protests across Indonesia, Tapsell says the broadcasting commission issued a directive discouraging media outlets from covering the protests live.
—Ashish Valentine, NPR, 30 Sep. 2025
Neither of the government agency’s offices replied to ITK’s request for comment about the status of the president’s directive.
—Judy Kurtz, The Hill, 30 Sep. 2025
In addition, the FCC can’t issue rules or directives that require regulated companies—such as broadcasters, telecommunications firms, or internet providers—to promote or silence political viewpoints.
—Essence, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for directive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for directive
Noun
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Some ovens have a dehydrating setting, so consult the user manual for specific instructions.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
7 Oct. 2025
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Adjust lawncare practices such as mowing at the proper height and not over-irrigating and apply a fungicide, according to label instructions, says Waltz.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Earlier this week, Maduro signed constitutional decrees to ready the country’s security powers to defend itself in case of an attack.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
3 Oct. 2025
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That decree includes a revision to international maritime transport rules, in which China could potentially charge special fees on vessels when calling at Chinese ports or prohibit or restrict these vessels’ port access in China.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The Gyeonggi Content Agency, which signed a memorandum of understanding with TAICCA (Taiwan Creative Content Agency) in 2024, will also bring content companies and investors from the region.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
3 Oct. 2025
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Banks handcuffed him and put him in his car, which seemed like an unmarked police car, and drove him to Barnet, Vermont, prosecutors wrote in Gumrukcu’s sentencing memorandum.—
Julia Marnin,
Sacbee.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The edict also created mass confusion and even panic among current H-1B holders and employers, thanks to conflicting statements from the White House.—
Senior Reporter,
PC Magazine,
22 Sep. 2025
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The edict is also risky, potentially giving viewers the sense that Brennan is less able to question or challenge her guests — one of the main elements of TV’s Sunday political shows that bring viewers to them in the first place.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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While many Venezuelans have been released from ICE custody in the past week, their future unclear after the Supreme Court ruling.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
4 Oct. 2025
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Gruden was the beneficiary of a key ruling in his case against the league in August as the Nevada Supreme Court determined that his case could proceed in court instead of arbitration.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The recall notice states the doors can suddenly close when a person is reaching inside.—
Alex Perry,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
2 Oct. 2025
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Personality and purpose Upon entering the home, the first room one notices is Catherine's spacious office, which sits just to the left of the front door.—
Lennie Omalza,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Perez said community members and law enforcement need to work together in order to combat violent crime.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Oct. 2025
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Here's a definitive guide to beginning (or rewatching) every American Horror Story season in order.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Hanke hastens to add that the administration hasn’t made any definitive decision on whether to back the strategy.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
8 Oct. 2025
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There will be debates, for months, about manager Rob Thomson’s decision to ask Bryson Stott to bunt against a lefty reliever with no outs and the tying run on second base in the ninth inning.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Directive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directive. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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