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• rescinded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

The countries have described the pact as defensive and said it is not directed against any particular state. — Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026

Every additional dollar spent on fuel is money that cannot be directed toward food and other services at a time when many families are already facing higher costs. — Kenny Choi, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

Razo said the city became suspicious when someone forwarded a message in which academy officials directed parents to register their children under the Little League for the fall season after the registration deadline. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

The documentary is directed by Mary Robertson and is executive produced by Robertson, Lisa Kalikow, Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman. — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026

Niu Niu previously directed Mr Junjun, which was awarded with the Jury Award and Youth Jury Award at PYIFF in 2023. — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2026

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