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
Relevance
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of directed
Jeff Fowler, who directed the previous three movies, is back in the helmer’s chair for this one.
—
Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026
Any further questions related to the investigation should be directed to law enforcement.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
Anne De Léan directed the series from Julie Hivon’s script.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2026
Indonesia has had disputes with China in the South China Sea, but the new plan for runways on roadways isn’t seen as any being directed at any country.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for directed
Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026
Any further questions related to the investigation should be directed to law enforcement.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
Anne De Léan directed the series from Julie Hivon’s script.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2026
Indonesia has had disputes with China in the South China Sea, but the new plan for runways on roadways isn’t seen as any being directed at any country.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for directed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for directed
Verb
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For the Marc Jacobs show, which is always an NYFW standout, Fox channeled an enchanted doll come to life with a head full of thick, glossy, bouncy curls and lavender-gray makeup to mimic the color of her sheer catsuit and satin bra top.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Steven McDonald, a fallen hero of the department who channeled the agony of three devastating gunshot wounds into an enduring message of peace and forgiveness.—
Barry Williams,
New York Daily News,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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After one interaction, Judge Miranda instructed a defense attorney to change her tone.—
Sofia Saric,
Miami Herald,
20 Feb. 2026
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In general, the hospital has always instructed its providers not to make comments or notes about a patient’s immigration status on notes or other materials that can be accessed, the doctor explained.—
Lauren Mascarenhas,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Friends ordered a few too many pizzas to a stranger's house.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Washington ordered a second group of aircraft carriers to the Middle East, while Iran on Monday began a new military drill in the Strait of Hormuz.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Animation is supervised by Jakub Pištecký, whose credits include Rango, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Avengers.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
16 Feb. 2026
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Each exercise session was supervised and followed a clear structure, Muotri says.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The Dan Beard Council celebrated the opening the Dever Family Foundation Skilled Trades Education Center – a major investment aimed at expanding hands‑on learning and workforce training opportunities for area youth.—
The Cincinnati Enquirer,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
13 Feb. 2026
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Switzerland is set to vote this summer on a proposal aimed at capping the country’s population at 10 million, the latest effort by the nation’s leading right-wing party to restrict immigration.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Kaegi repeatedly steered the debate back to political contributions Hynes and Kaegi’s adversaries on the county’s Board of Review received from property tax attorneys.—
A.D. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
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Social issue and character driven, events are steered by Swiss gold trader Hannah who, with her company teetering towards collapse, turns to illicit trading.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Last year, Parsons was the star pass rusher who conducted a hold-in as contract talks dragged on, which eventually led to him asking for a trade that was granted.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
16 Feb. 2026
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Rebuilding Gaza is expected to take years and could cost upwards of $70 billion, according to an operational damage and needs assessment conducted last year by the United Nations, the European Union and the World Bank.—
Nicholas Kerr,
ABC News,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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City leaders call anti-trans legislation ‘hypocrisy’ Hill told the Statesman he had not been spoken with members of the LGBTQ+ community about his bill about bathroom use.—
Sarah Cutler,
Idaho Statesman,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Choudri’s attorney told The Times that police were called to Choudri’s home by a third-party and that prosecutors did not file charges in the case.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Directed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directed. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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