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
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
Dr. Samantha Madhosingh, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
This rapid advance is due to China’s more directive government but also the public’s willingness to embrace the tech.
—IEEE Spectrum, 11 Dec. 2024
Chandelis Duster, NPR, 12 Apr. 2025
Due to the agency’s recent restructuring, MED Week has been cancelled for 2025 with no clear directive for future reengagement.
—Natalie Madeira Cofield, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for directive
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Adjective
While authoritarian leadership is generally considered harmful to employees, specific environments require a directive style that demands strict compliance (unlike bullying, which may include intimidation, threats, and undermining someone’s work).
—Dr. Samantha Madhosingh, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
This rapid advance is due to China’s more directive government but also the public’s willingness to embrace the tech.
—IEEE Spectrum, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
The latest directive from Trump follows ongoing efforts in Congress to adopt daylight saving time - including the Sunshine Protection Act, which was reintroduced in the House and Senate by Florida Republicans Rep. Vern Buchanan and Sen. Rick Scott in January.
—Chandelis Duster, NPR, 12 Apr. 2025
Due to the agency’s recent restructuring, MED Week has been cancelled for 2025 with no clear directive for future reengagement.
—Natalie Madeira Cofield, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for directive
Cite this Entry
“Directive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/directive. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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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