direction

noun

də-ˈrek-shən How to pronounce direction (audio)
Definition of directionnext
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

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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

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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

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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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of direction But their underlying conflicts combine with a general dearth of jokes to pull things in the direction of drama. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2026 That has only intensified debate about the direction of the party. — Sam Gringlas, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026 As election laws have proliferated and become more complicated, with early voting, for example, registrars have relied more on Thomas, a Norwalk Democrat in her first term, for direction. — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2026 From the outset, however, there are warnings in the other direction. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for direction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for direction
  1. instruction
  2. management
  3. compass
  4. trend
  5. order
  6. supervision
  7. tide
  8. edict
Noun
  • Stop transmitting sleep devaluation, since the research indicates your team is reading your hours as instruction.
    — Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Ryerson said the terrain itself can be as critical as instruction in helping beginners progress.
    — David Caraccio Updated July 31, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of instruction
Noun
  • Court records show that in early 2022, Arbuckle managed a team of more than 20 and helped forecast loan demand across major sectors of the bank, including corporate, commercial, wealth management and small-business banking.
    — Chase Jordan July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
  • Maritime risk-management company Marisks on Wednesday said the affected vessels were moved outside the port.
    — Salma Arafa, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Definition of management
Noun
  • How does Glimpact serve as a regulatory compass for global brands trying to bulletproof their environmental communication against greenwashing claims?
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 29 July 2026
  • For now, the lookout volunteers use a map, compass and familiarity with landmarks to pinpoint the location for initial attack crews.
    — Susan Montoya Bryan, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
Definition of compass
Noun
  • There are consulting and data companies that publish on consumer beauty trends and charge for it.
    — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 4 Aug. 2026
  • That was the continuation of a trend that has seen the Broncos sign 11 of their players to multiyear extensions since before the 2024 season.
    — Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of trend
Noun
  • Caminero has batted third in nearly half the team’s games (52) and has also been penciled in at the second spot in the order (35) as well as cleanup (23).
    — Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Instead, city staff could first more narrowly issue an order to repair a dilapidated historic building and then expedite approval for those repairs on the back end, without needing a hearing through the Historic Preservation Commission.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of order
Noun
  • Because Iran is a theocratic dictatorship that routinely arrests and in some cases executes journalists, Western reporters hoping to cover the country must either work clandestinely or submit to government supervision.
    — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026
  • The way to repair one's reputation is through quality, and quality comes in terms of making better decisions, better supervision, more accountability, proper disclosure and self-discipline.
    — Jon Michail, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of supervision
Noun
  • Officials have also reviewed currents, tides, wind conditions and possible drift patterns, and checked local beaches, bays, inlets and other coastal areas.
    — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 30 July 2026
  • The project, whose other backers include the Patel Family Office and Saudi’s AHQ Group, is part of a larger tide of capital flowing into Gulf oil infrastructure.
    — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of tide
Noun
  • Those who oppose the Mexican Mafia, or fail to follow the edicts of the gang’s leaders, are often targeted for beatings or even death.
    — Sean Emery, Oc Register, 22 July 2026
  • Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse The highly agile Getty shooter Alan Crowhurst has done us a great favor by bringing concrete cloakroom evidence of the many social and administrative challenges that the (famous) Royal Ascot costume edicts require in order to be properly met.
    — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Definition of edict

Browse Nearby Words

directing
direction
directionless
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Cite this Entry

“Direction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direction. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on direction

Nglish: Translation of direction for Spanish Speakers

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