Synonyms of directive

directive

noun

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• instruction
• edict
• order
• direction
• injunction
• commandment
• do
• decree
• command
• imperative
• requirement
• behest
• word
• charge
• mandate
• dictate
• demand
• law
• rule
• regulation
• ordinance
• statute
• precept
• prescription
• countermand
• counterorder
• prescript

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• petition
• appeal
• plea
• proposal
• recommendation
• entreaty
• suggestion
• urging

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• decree
• edict
• ruling
• decision
• proclamation
• resolution
• declaration
• diktat
• announcement
• fiat
• bull
• ukase
• rescript
• opinion
• verdict
• diagnosis
• determination
• manifesto
• judgment
• pronouncement
• conclusion
• dictum
• deliverance
• call
• canon
• encyclical

3

as in memorandum

a written communication giving information or directions

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• memorandum
• notice
• memo
• letter
• message
• declaration
• announcement
• proclamation
• report
• instructions
• mail
• notification
• pronouncement
• bulletin
• edict
• orders
• posting
• word
• release
• dispatch
• command
• note
• directions
• missive
• pronunciamento
• rescript
• charge
• post
• dictate
• encyclical
• epistle
• jotting

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of directive

Trump’s directive comes days after North Korea resumed banned ballistic missile tests and again denounced the exercises. — Konstantin Toropin, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department and Sunrise Police Department use AI facial recognition, though Fort Lauderdale has a directive against using AI for police reports. — Laurie Mermet, Sun Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2026

In May, China ordered domestic companies not to comply with US sanctions on five refiners, while its biggest banks were caught between Beijing’s directive and the risk of losing access to the US financial system. — Magdalena Del Valle, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026

At the time, the court decided that a challenge to other sections, including directives on Medicaid funding, were not ready for litigation. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 14 Aug. 2026