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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Dito Montiel wrote and directed with Javier Chapa producing. —

Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026 This Rogue Machine production, directed by stage and screen veteran Oz Scott, may struggle with the slipperiness of Drury’s writing. —

Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026 The Original That Started It All 13 Going on 30 was originally released by Columbia Pictures in April 2004 and was directed by Gary Winick. —

Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2026 As if the stakes weren’t high enough, Ford, diagnosed with leukemia in 2024, fell ill and directed sessions through his laptop post-blood transfusion. —

Hannah Jocelyn, Pitchfork, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for directed

Recent Examples of Synonyms for directed

Verb

Barrymore, who has increasingly channeled her creative energy into design through her lifestyle and home goods brand Beautiful by Drew, took a hands-on approach throughout.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 Mar. 2026
But investigators laid out an argument that funds were channeled into Cherfilus-McCormick's campaign through a number of business entities that were connected to the congresswoman and her siblings.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Mar. 2026