DIRECTED Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

directed

verb

Definition of directed

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for directed

Verb

The Czech Republic channelled their inner Premier League influence to score from a throw-in, while Korea’s equaliser by Hwang In-beom came at the end of a 25-pass move.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
These entrepreneurs channeled profound adversity into solutions that now help countless others.

— Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of channeled

Verb

Reuters in April reported that Ghana’s Minerals Commission had instructed international miners, including AngloGold Ashanti, Newmont, and Zijin Mining to transition mining operations to local contractors by December 2026 or face sanctions.

— Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 8 July 2026
The couple then called the Sacramento SPCA, who instructed them to post a picture of the mushroom on an emergency mushroom and plant identification Facebook group of mycologists.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of instructed

Verb

As part of her release conditions, she has been ordered to stay away from her 13-year-old daughter while the criminal case proceeds.

— Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 14 July 2026
On June 30, a judge ordered officials with the Conditional Release Program — part of the California Department of State Hospitals — to prepare a report about Allaway, court records show.

— Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 14 July 2026

Definition of ordered

Verb

While older children can use sparklers, they should be supervised, Heckman said.

— Amen Galinato, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Even a workforce-minded state like Colorado, which established a separate residential electrician license (2 years), still requires the work to be supervised by a journeyman.

— Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of supervised

Verb

Another $2 million would fund an off-site residential security post aimed at making emergency responses faster, as well as increasing the number of Supreme Court police officers.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers on Monday evening start several weeks of late-night broadcasts aimed at reaching summer audiences, one of TV’s smallest pools of viewership.

— Brian Steinberg, Variety, 13 July 2026

Definition of aimed

Verb

Some conservative lawmakers counter that the ballot measure would undercut provisions in the state constitution meant to limit government spending and ensure excess tax revenue is steered to infrastructure or back to taxpayers as rebates.

— Bloomberg, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
You are steered through an astonishing limestone canyon, crossing turquoise water where only tiny snails and blind shrimp are capable of living.

— James Rampton, TheWeek, 9 July 2026

Definition of steered

Verb

The surveillance program remains active, and mosquito control operations are being conducted in areas the virus activity has been detected.

— Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
The first and most important thing to remember is that both people — but especially Bellingham — will have conducted their post-match duties in a state of physical and emotional exhaustion.

— Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of conducted

Verb

Documents said that same day, someone from the foster home told the original Pembroke Pines Police Department investigating officer Goldbourne was planning to come back and meet with another underage girl.

— Kairi Lowery, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
Gerardo Salcedo, the son of the business owner, told ABC7 that investigators had obtained surveillance video that showed a man on a bicycle putting a bottle through the mail slot minutes before the fire ignited.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of told

Browse Nearby Words

direct

directed

directing

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Directed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directed. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of directed

verb

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