di·rec·tive
də-ˈrek-tiv 
dī-
1
: serving or intended to guide, govern, or influence
a directive method
2
: serving to point direction
3
psychology
: of or relating to psychotherapy or counseling in which the counselor introduces information, content, or attitudes not previously expressed by the client
Synonyms
Examples of directive in a Sentence
Noun
They received a written directive instructing them to develop new security measures.
the company president regularly issues directives intended for all staff members
Recent Examples on the Web
Krithika Varagur, Harper's Magazine, 10 July 2023
However, while Millennials wanted their leaders to act like partners and friends, Gen-Z ask for their leaders to be directive when needed.
—Karina Ochis, Forbes, 4 May 2023
There's almost no other forum where somebody in a senior leadership position can receive a genuinely independent challenge, and work one to one in a non-directive way.
—Michael B. Arthur, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2022
Extroverted leaders may guide their employees with more directive measures and even spontaneity.
—Ivan Ong, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2022
After the state rested its case Monday inside the Irwin County courthouse, defense attorney Ashleigh Merchant asked the judge to issue a directive verdict or dismissal of the case.
—Alexis Stevens, ajc, 16 May 2022
In 2019, the Trump administration introduced a rule change that barred providers participating in Title X from engaging in what’s known as non-directive pregnancy counseling.
—Jennifer Gerson, USA TODAY, 9 Oct. 2021
The City Council passed the directive 6-1 on Friday evening, with Vice Mayor Nikki Lee dissenting.
—Miguel Torres, The Arizona Republic, 14 Aug. 2021
In his book Quiet Leadership, David Rock talks a lot about how a coaching role is more effective than a directive management role.
—Antonia Bowring, Forbes, 1 June 2021
Gary Shteyngart, The New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2024
Fuji, a young mother mourning her husband and only child, followed Toranaga’s directives until she was given permission to become a nun.
—Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024
Amid a sea of black River Cats merchandise was a man in a familiar, unmistakably green-and-white SELL T-shirt — the all-caps directive that summarizes the Oakland fans’ message this past year to Fisher, the A’s owner.
—Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2024
The directive was made public Thursday, after recipients had begun shoring up their defenses.
—Joseph Menn, Washington Post, 11 Apr. 2024
Such a broad definition could apply to many U.S. firms or individuals operating within China that must follow Chinese regulations and policy directives to maintain their operations.
—Aynne Kokas, Foreign Affairs, 3 Apr. 2024
The song is not only an undeniable concert highlight, but its straightforward directive in the chorus still serves as a useful reminder on tough days.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 14 Apr. 2024
But given the threat's severity, CISA decided to issue an emergency directive, requiring federal agencies to act.
—Michael Kan, PCMAG, 11 Apr. 2024
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, an arm of the Department of Homeland Security, on Tuesday issued a rare binding directive to an undisclosed number of agencies requiring them to change any log-ins that were taken and investigate what else might be at risk.
—Joseph Menn, Washington Post, 11 Apr. 2024
Adjective
This fits with the global rise of non- directive genetic counseling in the Fifties, which emphasized voluntary measures in the shadow of Nazi atrocities.
—Krithika Varagur, Harper's Magazine, 10 July 2023
However, while Millennials wanted their leaders to act like partners and friends, Gen-Z ask for their leaders to be directive when needed.
—Karina Ochis, Forbes, 4 May 2023
There's almost no other forum where somebody in a senior leadership position can receive a genuinely independent challenge, and work one to one in a non-directive way.
—Michael B. Arthur, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2022
Extroverted leaders may guide their employees with more directive measures and even spontaneity.
—Ivan Ong, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2022
After the state rested its case Monday inside the Irwin County courthouse, defense attorney Ashleigh Merchant asked the judge to issue a directive verdict or dismissal of the case.
—Alexis Stevens, ajc, 16 May 2022
In 2019, the Trump administration introduced a rule change that barred providers participating in Title X from engaging in what’s known as non-directive pregnancy counseling.
—Jennifer Gerson, USA TODAY, 9 Oct. 2021
The City Council passed the directive 6-1 on Friday evening, with Vice Mayor Nikki Lee dissenting.
—Miguel Torres, The Arizona Republic, 14 Aug. 2021
In his book Quiet Leadership, David Rock talks a lot about how a coaching role is more effective than a directive management role.
—Antonia Bowring, Forbes, 1 June 2021
Noun
The Lobby Bar follows these directives by freezing the glasses, as well as the gin or vodka.
—Gary Shteyngart, The New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2024
Fuji, a young mother mourning her husband and only child, followed Toranaga’s directives until she was given permission to become a nun.
—Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024
Amid a sea of black River Cats merchandise was a man in a familiar, unmistakably green-and-white SELL T-shirt — the all-caps directive that summarizes the Oakland fans’ message this past year to Fisher, the A’s owner.
—Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2024
The directive was made public Thursday, after recipients had begun shoring up their defenses.
—Joseph Menn, Washington Post, 11 Apr. 2024
Such a broad definition could apply to many U.S. firms or individuals operating within China that must follow Chinese regulations and policy directives to maintain their operations.
—Aynne Kokas, Foreign Affairs, 3 Apr. 2024
The song is not only an undeniable concert highlight, but its straightforward directive in the chorus still serves as a useful reminder on tough days.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 14 Apr. 2024
But given the threat's severity, CISA decided to issue an emergency directive, requiring federal agencies to act.
—Michael Kan, PCMAG, 11 Apr. 2024
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, an arm of the Department of Homeland Security, on Tuesday issued a rare binding directive to an undisclosed number of agencies requiring them to change any log-ins that were taken and investigate what else might be at risk.
—Joseph Menn, Washington Post, 11 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'directive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near directive
Cite this Entry
“Directive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/directive. Accessed 30 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
directive
adjective
di·rec·tive
də-ˈrek-tiv, dī-
: of or relating to psychotherapy in which the therapist introduces information, content, or attitudes not previously expressed by the client
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