directed

Definition of directednext
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

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2
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

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4
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

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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

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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 directed At the first Ramona Braver Angels workshop, the 40 participants were grouped into pairs and directed to ask their partners questions that were unrelated to politics. Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026 Bryan Walsh directed the efforts. Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026 Norman Rockwell art-directed a Colorama, and TV’s Ozzie and Harriett appeared in several, according to the Eastman Museum. Marcia Greenwood, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026 Horner again directed the ranger to that location. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for directed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for directed
Verb
  • What Treacy’s channeled is a certain Anglo fifties chic—think Elizabeth David and Princess Margaret with just a teaspoon of Sputnik, which is to say postwar whimsy with strong classical roots.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026
  • However, Stefan channeled his passion into coaching Xander.
    Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam instructed the country’s security forces to clear the capital of non-state arms, a move likely directed at Hezbollah.
    Jennifer Hansler, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The new rules limited syndication of external stories and content, and instructed the newspaper’s ombudsman to send information intended for Congress to the Department of Defense first.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Justice Department also dismissed several other FACE Act cases and ordered prosecutors to put the brakes on future FACE Act investigations.
    Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Each year, Marie Antoinette ordered up to three hundred new gowns, and the winds changed accordingly.
    Emilia Petrarca, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Most crew members interviewed by police, defense attorneys or USA TODAY said the boys were always supervised on set.
    Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Last week, a Utah judge ruled that Paul can have supervised visits with Ever, until another hearing for a protective order later this month.
    Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • This mission primarily aimed to test the capsule’s life support systems to help create a smoother ride for future crews that will have to deal with the headaches of actually landing on the moon.
    Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Some hospitals and large health systems have specific programs aimed at making care more affordable for lower-income patients.
    Deidre Popovich, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Smooth push and pull design so it can be steered like a stroller or pulled like a wagon depending on the situation.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • But then Kimmel steered the conversation deeper into an anti-Trump routine.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The poll, conducted in February, points to a divergence in how AI is reshaping American workplaces.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
  • If you're approved and accept your offer, a credit check may be conducted, which could impact your credit score.
    Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • At school, the student noticed the handgun inside their backpack and told a school counselor, according to the DA's office.
    Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
  • The section of roof at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s garage fell Wednesday, triggering a collapse across all seven levels, Mayor Cherelle Parker told reporters last week.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Directed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directed. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.

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