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 The court found that the directive to fast to death was implemented by targeting children first, while guards were deployed to prevent them from escaping, beating those who attempted to escape or eat. — Evelyne Musambi, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026 The directive affects a building whose tenants include major international financial institutions such as Merrill Lynch, consulting giant McKinsey & Company and the International Monetary Fund. — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026 Reports indicate that several hundred protesters followed that directive, arriving in downtown Milan and, eventually, clashing with police. — Chiara Pizzimenti, Vanity Fair, 18 Oct. 2026 What happens when a presidential directive conflicts with state election law – or when courts intervene? — Thom Reilly, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for directive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for directive

Noun

The researchers modified a capsid protein called pVIII, attaching cancer antigens to its surface by incorporating the corresponding genetic instructions into the virus.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
The Photo Studio, led by a professional photographer, also offers classes and instruction on how to snap the perfect wildlife and iceberg pictures.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of instruction

Noun

Penalties, consent agreements and decrees have not deterred Meta from using deceptive trade practices.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
The Honduran National Congress approved a decree in 2024 reversing previous state actions that opened the door to mining in Carlos Escaleras Mejía National Park.

— Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of decree

Noun

The district has memorandums of understanding with Porter-Starke Services, Crown Counseling and Stepping Stones, and Meridian Health.

— Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Separately, the three law professors contacted by The Post reviewed the judge's ruling in Bakken's case, as well as portions of Gist's memorandum and the legal official's email.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of memorandum

Noun

Eventually, an edict from the top came that existing attorneys should not anticipate additions to the court teams, according to one source.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
In the years that followed, predatory land purchases, restrictive edicts, and forced displacement further diminished their ranks.

— Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of edict

Noun

The defense trial accounts of bias were connected to Weeks’ rulings, which were within his discretion and not a basis for recusal, prosecutors argued.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2026
And a ruling for the Justice Department from the Supreme Court could snarl the process further.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of ruling

Noun

The recall notice did not provide information on returning the product to the place of purchase for a possible refund, nor was such information available on the Miyokos website.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
Under federal law, they're typically required to provide a validation notice during their initial communication or within five days afterward.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of notice

Noun

Members’ lagging caucus dues payments to the DCCC might also factor into these races, with House Democrats mulling a rules change to mandate that dues are paid in order to serve on top committees.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
The plans were developed by the Department of Government Efficiency, a cost-cutting team initially overseen by billionaire Elon Musk, in response to a presidential order meant to rid the government of DEI programs.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of order

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directions

directive

directives

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Style

“Directive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directive. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of directive

noun

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