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• rescinded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

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

Previous productions of A View From the Bridge in NYC include the 2015-2016 version starring Mark Strong, which originated at London’s Young Vic, directed by Ivo van Hove, and played at the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 14 July 2026

Rockwell returns to the stage after last appearing in American Buffalo on Broadway in 2022, which was directed by Pepe. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026

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

The film, currently in production, will be directed by James Gunn. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 14 July 2026

Weeks later, Vang also alleged Matsui had directed a super PAC to spend $119,000 on digital ads boosting Wooden. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026

Arnold has met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill about the issue, but most of his effort is directed at the state level, where sports betting is regulated. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 7 July 2026