as in overseeing
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Dissimilar Words
as in commanding
Related Words
1
as in channeling
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
2
as in instructing
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 ordering
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 supervising
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 aiming
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 guiding
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
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of directing
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Jan. 2026
The film is written and produced by Luc Besson with Barthélémy Grossmann directing.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2026
Already racking up 15 Emmy nominations (and two wins), this HBO prequel series reinvigorates the franchise with breathtaking cinematography and CGI, stellar directing choices, and exceptional performances — offering a satisfying counterbalance to GOT's divisive end.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Jan. 2026
Levon is following in the footsteps of his parents and Maya, pursuing acting, writing, directing and music.
—Ilana Frost, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025
About 70 students are working around the clock, directing, producing and hosting the entire broadcast.
—Jessica Riley, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025
King earned a following, not to mention a few BAFTA Award nominations, for directing and co-writing the first two Paddington movies, which earned devotion and acclaim for their whimsy and heart.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 18 Dec. 2025
Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026
Agitators directing traffic and impeding law enforcement activity in Minnesota are drawing sharp criticism from a former police official, who warns the scenes signal a dangerous normalization of obstruction that threatens public safety and the rule of law.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 11 Jan. 2026
Try directing her attention by asking her leading questions about herself, her past, her opinions and her memories.
—Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2026
Try directing her attention by asking her leading questions about herself, her past, her opinions, and her memories.
—Eric Thomas, Baltimore Sun, 11 Jan. 2026
The pair also spoke about their dynamic with Cooper, who in addition to directing the film, co-wrote it alongside Arnett and Mark Chappell.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
Christo and Jeanne-Claude disregarded all threats of legal action, directing Running Fence to complete its predestined voyage into the sea.
—Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
Ramsay told Vulture that her directing style on the movie was born of wanting the actors to feel free on the set.
—Zack Sharf, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
The movie was the directorial debut of Michael Cimino, who would later go on to win a best directing Oscar for his 1978 Vietnam War drama The Deer Hunter.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
The pan-Asian reimagining of John le Carré’s espionage thriller was shot across Hong Kong, Macau, Bangkok, Kanchanaburi and Phuket, with Kelvin KinLong Chan directing.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Jan. 2026
The film is written and produced by Luc Besson with Barthélémy Grossmann directing.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2026
Already racking up 15 Emmy nominations (and two wins), this HBO prequel series reinvigorates the franchise with breathtaking cinematography and CGI, stellar directing choices, and exceptional performances — offering a satisfying counterbalance to GOT's divisive end.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Jan. 2026
Levon is following in the footsteps of his parents and Maya, pursuing acting, writing, directing and music.
—Ilana Frost, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025
About 70 students are working around the clock, directing, producing and hosting the entire broadcast.
—Jessica Riley, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025
King earned a following, not to mention a few BAFTA Award nominations, for directing and co-writing the first two Paddington movies, which earned devotion and acclaim for their whimsy and heart.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 18 Dec. 2025
Verb
In addition to his directing prowess, Reiner's skills as an actor were recognized by the Golden Globes in the past.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026
Agitators directing traffic and impeding law enforcement activity in Minnesota are drawing sharp criticism from a former police official, who warns the scenes signal a dangerous normalization of obstruction that threatens public safety and the rule of law.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 11 Jan. 2026
Try directing her attention by asking her leading questions about herself, her past, her opinions and her memories.
—Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2026
Try directing her attention by asking her leading questions about herself, her past, her opinions, and her memories.
—Eric Thomas, Baltimore Sun, 11 Jan. 2026
The pair also spoke about their dynamic with Cooper, who in addition to directing the film, co-wrote it alongside Arnett and Mark Chappell.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
Christo and Jeanne-Claude disregarded all threats of legal action, directing Running Fence to complete its predestined voyage into the sea.
—Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
Ramsay told Vulture that her directing style on the movie was born of wanting the actors to feel free on the set.
—Zack Sharf, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
The movie was the directorial debut of Michael Cimino, who would later go on to win a best directing Oscar for his 1978 Vietnam War drama The Deer Hunter.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for directing
Noun
-
The compact sport utility vehicle's ($60,000) two-box design underwent a dramatic metamorphosis, with the latest iteration taller, longer, wider and more commanding.—
Morgan Korn,
ABC News,
31 Dec. 2025
-
Neither team took a commanding lead until the fourth quarter when the Bobcats came up clutch to earn their first conference victory.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
17 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Looking to style a simple oversized T-shirt while channeling your inner punk?—
Sri Rain Stewart,
InStyle,
13 Jan. 2026
-
So what’s next now that Fraser will no longer be channeling a guardian angel/social justice warrior?—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
For visitors, this means the people guiding your raft or instructing your clinic possess deep expertise and enthusiasm for their work.—
Bill Bootz,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Citizens of Minneapolis took to the streets, throwing snowballs at their own local police and local businesses proudly displayed signs in their windows instructing people how to use whistles to thwart ICE.—
David Marcus,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Shoppers can also get free delivery by ordering through the Wing app.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Pizza chain Papa Johns is making a similar push, announcing this month the launch of a voice and text AI ordering agent powered by Google's Gemini platform.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Hospitals also can bill patients’ insurance for services provided by residents, though not for the time that established doctors spend supervising them.—
Meg Wingerter,
Denver Post,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Moench served as a staff writer on Season 1 of Apple TV’s Severance and was upped to supervising producer for Season 2.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Hoosier Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.—
Staff Reports,
The Providence Journal,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
For visitors, this means the people guiding your raft or instructing your clinic possess deep expertise and enthusiasm for their work.—
Bill Bootz,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Bobby will forever be a guiding force whose unique artistry reshaped American music.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Rousseau is a notoriously controlling and meticulous leader, obsessed with optics and strict about the physical fitness of his members.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
15 Dec. 2025
-
Yet another was a forum for people who, like me, had left a highly controlling religious denomination.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Directing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directing. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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