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
Supervisors directed staff to work with the developer, Serrano Associates, to conduct a supplemental traffic engineering analysis.
—
Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026
Written and directed by Stone, the movie is described as being an intimate and provocative drama that explores family, loss, pain and uncovers how love can change shape during our lifetimes.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2026
While waiting for instructions, Parkins says not to give the bird any food or water unless specifically directed by a rehabilitator.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 June 2026
Former Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes directed Conaway’s supervisor to investigate the claims, which ultimately showed the allegations of targeting were false.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for directed
Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026
Written and directed by Stone, the movie is described as being an intimate and provocative drama that explores family, loss, pain and uncovers how love can change shape during our lifetimes.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2026
While waiting for instructions, Parkins says not to give the bird any food or water unless specifically directed by a rehabilitator.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 June 2026
Former Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes directed Conaway’s supervisor to investigate the claims, which ultimately showed the allegations of targeting were false.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for directed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for directed
Verb
-
Talent development will be channeled through the Jakarta Film Lab initiative, offering training, mentorship and certification programs for writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, editors and crew.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
18 June 2026
-
Bennett, who turned 2 on May 8, channeled his father during the Masters Tournament’s Par 3 Contest in April, toting a toy golf club on the course while little brother Remy, born March 27, nestled up against Meredith, 30.—
Anna Lazarus Caplan,
PEOPLE,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
Civilians in the area have not been instructed to evacuate but have faced checkpoints and tension, with occasional clashes between Israeli soldiers and villagers.—
Melanie Lidman,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
-
Hours earlier, the shelter-in-place order had instructed residents to immediately go indoors, close all windows and doors, and turn off air conditioning and heating systems until further notice because of hazardous materials concerns and heavy smoke.—
Sydney Barragan,
Daily News,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
The story of this ex-Clapton car begins in London, when it was ordered on July 4, 1966, by businessman Robin Houry.—
Howard Walker,
Robb Report,
22 June 2026
-
The Federal Communications Commission, led by Chairman Brendan Carr, ordered Disney to file for renewals for eight of its stations years ahead of schedule.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
22 June 2026
Verb
-
While humans still planned and supervised the mission, the operation offered a glimpse into how future battles may unfold.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
16 June 2026
-
After the Los Angeles Film Critics Association anointed Brazil with a trio of awards, including Best Picture, Sheinberg relented and released a 132-minute cut supervised by Gilliam.—
Britt Hayes,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
More recently, Boyd has criticized the elimination of federal programs aimed at helping farmers of color acquire land.—
Charlie Lapastora,
CBS News,
20 June 2026
-
The agreement aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear program but not shut it down entirely.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
According to authorities, Maddie steered the off-road vehicle to avoid a drainage ditch before the ATV plunged into the water.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
-
The move formally concludes the multiyear sales process for Vox Media, which had been steered by CEO Jim Bankoff since 2009.—
Erik Hayden,
HollywoodReporter,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
No homes had been lost, and Utah Fire Info, a multiagency operation, said in a post on X that firefighters conducted a successful back-burn operation to protect the town.—
Valerie Gonzalez,
Los Angeles Times,
22 June 2026
-
Defense attorney Michael Burt had argued a video deposition prosecutors conducted with a key witness is hearsay evidence and should not be admissible, as the witness could not be subject to cross-examination.—
Andi Babineau,
CNN Money,
22 June 2026
Verb
-
Three older adults, aged from 80 to 95, died over the weekend in the Bordeaux region from health issues caused by the heat wave, local government official Sophie Brocas told France TV late on Sunday.—
Makini Brice,
USA Today,
23 June 2026
-
If convicted, King could serve anywhere from two to 10 years in prison, and pay up to a $10,000 fine, Judge John Wilson Weeks told the jury pool ahead of the selection process.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Directed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directed. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
