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• rescinded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

There were 112 throws in the final third directed into the box during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but this year has seen an even higher rate. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Throughout its war with the US, Iran’s counteroffensive has largely been directed atthe oil-rich Arab countries that border the Persian Gulf. — Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

Josh Greenbaum, who has worked in both narrative features (Barb and Star Go to Vista del Mar) and docs (Will & Harper) and directed the upcoming Spaceballs sequel, knows his way around comedy. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2026

The film is written and directed by Ann Oren and co-written by Geoffroy Grison. — Brent Lang, Variety, 21 July 2026

Ed Neumeier and Michael Miner, co-writers of the original 1987 RoboCop film, directed by Paul Verhoeven, will also serve as an executive producer. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 21 July 2026

Hochul, in signing the order, directed the Department of Public Service (DPS) to consider creating the fund to help support the procurement of a clean energy supply and establish an insurance pool to protect against large loads. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 14 July 2026

The 2000s megacomic Dane Cook will star in an upcoming horror short directed by wunderkind Obsession director Barker’s father, Jeff Barker, per The Hollywood Reporter. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 July 2026

The film, directed by Christopher Nolan, hits theaters Friday. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 14 July 2026