Directive and Rule

Similar meaning words

Directive noun - A statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned.

Usage example: the company president regularly issues directives intended for all staff members

Show all Definitions

Rule is a synonym for directive. In some cases you can use "Rule" instead a noun "Directive".

Rule noun - A statement spelling out the proper procedure or conduct for an activity.

Usage example: read the rules that are posted before you use the pool

Show all Definitions

Directive is a synonym for rule in regulation topic. Sometimes you can use "Directive" instead a noun "Rule".

Nearby Words: ruling, ruler, ruled

standing	standing directive	standing rule
similar	similar directive	similar rule
usual	usual directive	usual rule
original	original directive	original rule
Other adjectives: single, strong, actual, main, personal, new, final, official.

In an episode of Star Trek: Enterprise, Archer imagines that maybe some day, there'll be some kind of rule or directive to save captains from having to make such judgment calls.

Source: Frequently-Broken Unbreakable Vow
As for the Sikarians, they also have a rule similar to the Prime Directive that forbids them from sharing their technology.

Source: Misapplied Phlebotinum
As a general rule in Star Trek series, this is often justified by the Federation's own definition of morality, particularly the Prime Directive.

Source: Villains Blend in Better

Cite this Source

Rule and Directive. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 15, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/directive/rule

Directive & Rule. N.p., 2016. Web. 15 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/directive/rule>.

Rule or Directive. 2016. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/directive/rule.

Google Ngram Viewer shows how "directive" and "rule" have occurred on timeline