Synonyms of direction

direction

noun

də-ˈrek-shən 

1

as in instruction

a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned

we were given very specific directions for the first part of the exam

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in management

the act or activity of looking after and making decisions about something

working under the close direction of the engineering supervisor

Synonyms & Similar Words

• management
• supervision
• control
• operation
• administration
• handling
• oversight
• stewardship
• government
• guidance
• governance
• leadership
• regulation
• presidency
• running
• charge
• conduct
• superintendence
• care
• superintendency
• intendance
• custody
• agency
• protection
• logistics
• manipulation
• generalship
• engineering
• tutelage
• trust
• guardianship
• safekeeping
• ward
• rulership
• keeping
• aegis
• lap
• machination
• codirection
• comanagement
• coadministration

3

as in compass

a guiding or motivating purpose or principle

a life that seemed to lack any direction other than the mindless pursuit of empty pleasures

Synonyms & Similar Words

• compass
• focus
• purpose
• polestar
• intention
• lodestar
• goal
• objective
• criterion
• object
• measure
• standard
• aim
• cynosure
• ambition
• target
• touchstone
• aspiration
• grade
• benchmark
• dream
• yardstick
• par
• mark

4

as in trend

a prevailing or general movement or inclination

some older people worry about the overall direction that political discourse has taken lately

Synonyms & Similar Words

• trend
• tide
• tendency
• wind
• shift
• current
• drift
• curve
• run
• leaning
• turn
• way
• tenor
• swing
• downside
• habit
• propensity
• upside
• turnabout
• custom
• countercurrent
• countertrend
• undercurrent
• undertow

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of direction

Planning Commission Chair Carlos Rosario added that the commission’s recommendations were merely advisory, while the City Council retains full discretion to hold public hearings and set the city’s policy direction. — Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026

In plain terms, that means the real number could swing 3 points in either direction. — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Aug. 2026

At least not in a reliable direction supported by the critical mass of voters who elected him. — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026

Mercury conjoins Jupiter in Leo and your 1st House of Self, amplifying your presence, confidence, ideas, and personal direction. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026