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

The movie follows Hoffman's character, Benjamin, a recent college graduate who is struggling to find direction post graduation and is seduced by an older housewife and friend of his parents. — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Hogan said the new appointment of hard-right adviser Stephen Miller as chief of staff is a step in the wrong direction. — Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2026

What direction state policy takes following these Democratic gains will depend quite a bit on who is selected as speaker; that will be moderates’ first chance to make their influence felt. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026

Students volunteered for the face-painting station, and Advanced Drawing students, under the direction of art teacher Jessi Mortensen, created live chalk art installations. — Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026