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• rescinded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

Bellisari directed an eight-play, 69-yard drive with Jones running it in from a yard out for the only score of the third quarter and the RedHawks trailed 17-14. — ABC News, 11 Nov. 2026

The backlash directed at me on social media was not unexpected, especially from MAGA-centric followers of Ryan who lauded him for calling out the vile media that dared criticize his stadium. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 10 Nov. 2026

Written and directed by Lissette Feliciano (Women Is Losers), the film stars Eiza González (Baby Driver, 3 Body Problem) as Janie John, a woman who turns to competitive bodybuilding after a childhood marked by neglect. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2026

The system also directed substantial investments into its workforce through competitive compensation, continuing education, and employee wellness initiatives. — Chase Jordan november 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Nov. 2026

The film is the debut feature of British writer-director Oscar Hudson, who has previously directed music videos for Radiohead, James Blake and Bonobo. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 10 Nov. 2026

Ignoring Congress to continue the war The second article accuses Hegseth of ignoring a resolution approved by both chambers of Congress that directed the administration to end the Iran war. — Stefan Becket, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026

Shakiba Adil co-directed the film and plays a role on screen as well, even helping a few of the women escape Kabul and emigrate to other countries. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 10 Nov. 2026

Recent fights and threats at Beyer High The football investigation follows other incidents at Beyer High School in recent weeks, including fights that prompted a campus lockdown and a threatening social media post directed at the school. — Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026