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

Some have done so, the prosecutor explained, by slow-walking directives of dubious merit, such as orders to investigate voter fraud by noncitizens—a phenomenon that Trump has falsely claimed is rampant. — Eyal Press, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

This action follows previous directives this summer aimed at regulating data center expansion. — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026

Glass is no stranger to such responsibilities after serving as the top cop at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for the past four and half years while leading the agency’s directives and missions. — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026

Conflicting directives To some extent, the Spanish government has been forced to act slowly. — Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Sep. 2026

Businesses and private properties are not required to follow flag directives but can join in the observation. — Allison Gibson, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2026

In 1998, President Bill Clinton updated the bunker plan through several classified directives. — Sonya Ross For The Atlanta Journal-Contitution, AJC.com, 11 Sep. 2026

The operator evaluations used Missile Procedures Trainer simulations based on governing directives and technical requirements. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2026

Federal directives must be made following the death of the president or a former president, vice president, Congress members, Supreme Court members and other select officials. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 11 Sep. 2026