DIRECTED Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

directed

verb

past tense of direct

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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Relevance

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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as in supervised

to look after and make decisions about the music teacher directs both the student orchestra and the marching band

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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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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 Supervisors directed staff to work with the developer, Serrano Associates, to conduct a supplemental traffic engineering analysis. —

Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026 Written and directed by Stone, the movie is described as being an intimate and provocative drama that explores family, loss, pain and uncovers how love can change shape during our lifetimes. —

Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2026 While waiting for instructions, Parkins says not to give the bird any food or water unless specifically directed by a rehabilitator. —

Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 June 2026 Former Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes directed Conaway’s supervisor to investigate the claims, which ultimately showed the allegations of targeting were false. —

Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for directed

Recent Examples of Synonyms for directed

Verb

Meanwhile, other matter is channeled to the poles of the black hole, from where it is blasted away as high-energy plasma jets travelling at near-light speeds.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 June 2026
The players inhaled all the enthusiasm and channeled it.

— Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 14 June 2026