Synonyms of directed

directed

verb

past tense of direct

1

as in channeled

to cause to move to a central point or along a restricted pathway

the aqueduct directs the water into an artificial lake

Synonyms & Similar Words

• channeled
• conducted
• funneled
• carried
• piped
• focused
• channelized
• siphoned
• conveyed
• transmitted
• canalized
• concentrated
• consolidated

2

as in instructed

to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority

our tour guide directed us to wait in front of the building until she could rejoin us

Synonyms & Similar Words

• instructed
• ordered
• told
• asked
• commanded
• enjoined
• advised
• begged
• charged
• requested
• warned
• adjured
• required
• appointed
• bade
• petitioned
• authorized
• bossed (around)
• compelled
• commissioned
• assigned
• forced
• led
• supervised
• controlled
• conducted
• managed
• beseeched
• entreated
• obliged
• counseled
• constrained
• oversaw
• coerced
• superintended

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• followed
• observed
• kept
• obeyed
• minded
• complied (with)

3

as in ordered

to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority

the caretaker directed that all of the windows be closed before we left

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ordered
• requested
• asked
• required
• dictated
• mandated
• called
• demanded
• commanded
• called for
• decreed
• ordained
• petitioned

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• canceled
• rescinded
• countermanded

4

as in supervised

to look after and make decisions about

the music teacher directs both the student orchestra and the marching band

Synonyms & Similar Words

• supervised
• operated
• managed
• controlled
• conducted
• oversaw
• handled
• regulated
• governed
• ran
• administered
• guided
• tended
• kept
• carried on
• steered
• presided (over)
• administrated
• protected
• led
• overlooked
• watched
• stewarded
• superintended
• watched over
• piloted
• guarded
• safeguarded
• minded
• cared (for)
• codirected
• stage-managed
• micromanaged
• comanaged

5

as in aimed

to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal

we quickly directed our attention toward the noise coming from the rear

Synonyms & Similar Words

• aimed
• headed
• cast
• trained
• focused
• held
• leveled
• set
• bent
• pinpointed
• steered
• concentrated
• oriented
• faced
• sighted
• bore
• inclined

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• diverted
• deflected
• averted
• curved
• shunted
• sidetracked
• rechanneled
• detoured

6

as in steered

to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front

the guide directed the tour through the museum with commendable efficiency and expertise

Synonyms & Similar Words

• steered
• guided
• accompanied
• led
• conducted
• showed
• ushered
• routed
• escorted
• preceded
• piloted
• marshaled
• attended
• controlled
• managed
• saw
• chaperoned
• convoyed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• followed
• trailed
• hounded
• tailed
• shadowed
• dogged
• tailgated

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of directed

Then, in early September, Novartis unveiled the results of its trials of a drug directed at lowering a protein — known as lipoprotein A — thought to cause heart attacks and strokes. — Adam Cohen, Oklahoman, 22 Sep. 2026

This is the story of JAŸ-Z in 8, a new long but guarded eight-part HBO docuseries about the rapper directed and produced by Def Jam co-founder Rick Rubin. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026

The event is being livestreamed around the world, directed by Becky Garner, whose recent work includes Bieberchella (Justin Bieber’s viral Coachella headline performance), and produced by Si Fi Productions. — Emma Specter, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026

So much of that dread comes from the visual language of the film — the way it’s directed, the cinematography, the lighting. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026

His mother directed a children's choir, and his brother played music professionally. — Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026

The executive order also directed the FDA to provide national priority vouchers to certain psychedelic drugs. — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026

Revolutionaries Never Die, directed by Mohanad Yaqubi, won CIFF’s Cinematic Vision Award. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2026

Drain in a colander and let cool for 10 minutes, or proceed as directed in your recipe. — Molly Baz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Sep. 2026