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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of direction
The case also ties to an earlier incident on March 24, when police say Alexander approached a woman under the pretense of asking for directions while engaging in indecent behavior.
—
Sergio Candido, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
In a recent field test, the robot sprinted across a soccer field, kicked a ball toward the goal and changed direction without hesitation.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026
The spies called it right, but the president went another direction.
—Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2026
Colorado can’t recoup that money because providers followed its directions — meaning the payments, while excessive, weren’t fraudulent.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for direction
Sergio Candido, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
In a recent field test, the robot sprinted across a soccer field, kicked a ball toward the goal and changed direction without hesitation.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026
The spies called it right, but the president went another direction.
—Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2026
Colorado can’t recoup that money because providers followed its directions — meaning the payments, while excessive, weren’t fraudulent.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for direction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for direction
Noun
-
The team also gave Luna a series of initial instructions, including pre-launch priorities like hiring an employee to run the store’s day-to-day operations, deciding what the store should sell and ordering inventory.—
David Ingram,
NBC news,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Instead, what the court addressed was a single jury instruction, charting several paths forward — including fixing that instruction and trying the case again.—
Alex Crippen,
CNBC,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Keogh said Hein is not solely to blame for the financial management problems but also said Groveland had outgrown his management style as the city gained over 10,000 residents during Hein’s tenure.—
James Wilkins,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2026
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Fredericson says that exercise also supports weight management by affecting appetite, increasing calorie burn and helping preserve lean muscle mass, which is essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Pilots learn to navigate using maps and compasses, as well as natural cues such as stars and terrain features including rivers, bridges and other landmarks to orient themselves and move toward friendly forces.—
Luis Martinez,
ABC News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Details like this serve to remind you that the compass of the inn’s ethos firmly points to the island and its deep history.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
If trends persist, a third and fourth quarterback will be added to the room for training camp, and then only two will be on the active 53-man roster, with another taking up a practice squad roster spot.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Apr. 2026
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The Texas Rangers carried a four-game losing streak headed into a series against American League West foe Seattle and bucked that trend in a 2-1 win Monday at Globe Life Field .—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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While some unions have successfully bargained for the right to supplement the QR codes with pen and paper, corporate has supposedly responded to that concession by refusing to stock more order cards.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The chain aims to finish assembling drinks within two minutes and thirty seconds from the moment an order is placed.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In partnership with local communities, the district has provided the following information on free food distribution centers and food programs, child supervision and student computer devices.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Apr. 2026
-
She was handed preliminary charges, including for failure to help a minor in danger, and released under judicial supervision.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
King tides — the year’s highest tides, which climate change is making more frequent and severe — stir up sediment and reduce the light that reaches the seafloor.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2026
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Once created, New Cut allowed colonial travelers to rely on strong sea tides to carry them through the canal.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But that edict died with him, Vaez said.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
3 Apr. 2026
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Like most of her peers, Agnes follows her country’s various repressive edicts directed toward young women.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Direction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direction. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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