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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of directed
This essay documentary is written, directed and produced by Muñoz Barroso alongside Leila Montero and Efthymia Zymvragaki, and backed by Estudio ST Producciones Cinematográficas, Gris Medio and Colectivo de Creación Estudio ST.
—
Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026
On the documentary side, the festival will showcase Militantropos, directed by the trio of Alina Gorlova, Simon Mozgovyi, and Yelizaveta Smit, a Directors Fortnight selection at Cannes last year.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
DuVall wrote and directed TriStar’s holiday comedy Happiest Season that starred Kristen Stewart and debuted on Hulu in 2020.
—Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2026
The dynamic stage production, directed by Phillip M Church, features Justine Chichester, Shawn Buller and Laquantis Morton who deliver—verbatim—Taussig’s inspiring and evocative voice.
—Christina Mayo, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for directed
Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026
On the documentary side, the festival will showcase Militantropos, directed by the trio of Alina Gorlova, Simon Mozgovyi, and Yelizaveta Smit, a Directors Fortnight selection at Cannes last year.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
DuVall wrote and directed TriStar’s holiday comedy Happiest Season that starred Kristen Stewart and debuted on Hulu in 2020.
—Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2026
The dynamic stage production, directed by Phillip M Church, features Justine Chichester, Shawn Buller and Laquantis Morton who deliver—verbatim—Taussig’s inspiring and evocative voice.
—Christina Mayo, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for directed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for directed
Verb
-
What Treacy’s channeled is a certain Anglo fifties chic—think Elizabeth David and Princess Margaret with just a teaspoon of Sputnik, which is to say postwar whimsy with strong classical roots.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Apr. 2026
-
However, Stefan channeled his passion into coaching Xander.—
Nasha Smith,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam instructed the country’s security forces to clear the capital of non-state arms, a move likely directed at Hezbollah.—
Jennifer Hansler,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The new rules limited syndication of external stories and content, and instructed the newspaper’s ombudsman to send information intended for Congress to the Department of Defense first.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Justice Department also dismissed several other FACE Act cases and ordered prosecutors to put the brakes on future FACE Act investigations.—
Sarah N. Lynch,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Each year, Marie Antoinette ordered up to three hundred new gowns, and the winds changed accordingly.—
Emilia Petrarca,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Muscle Distribution has announced plans to release the 2019 4K restoration, which was conducted by Criterion and supervised by May herself, beginning with a Film at Lincoln Center engagement in June before national expansion follows.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
8 Apr. 2026
-
In a March 25 court filing, federal prosecutors requested a prison sentence of 180 months, or 15 years, followed by three years’ supervised release.—
Daniel Arkin,
NBC news,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
This mission primarily aimed to test the capsule’s life support systems to help create a smoother ride for future crews that will have to deal with the headaches of actually landing on the moon.—
Noah Haggerty,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Some hospitals and large health systems have specific programs aimed at making care more affordable for lower-income patients.—
Deidre Popovich,
The Conversation,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Smooth push and pull design so it can be steered like a stroller or pulled like a wagon depending on the situation.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
But then Kimmel steered the conversation deeper into an anti-Trump routine.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The poll, conducted in February, points to a divergence in how AI is reshaping American workplaces.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
-
If you're approved and accept your offer, a credit check may be conducted, which could impact your credit score.—
Jason Stauffer,
CNBC,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
At school, the student noticed the handgun inside their backpack and told a school counselor, according to the DA's office.—
Tom Ignudo,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
The section of roof at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s garage fell Wednesday, triggering a collapse across all seven levels, Mayor Cherelle Parker told reporters last week.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Directed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directed. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
