1
as in funnels
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 instructs
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 orders
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 supervises
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 aims
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 steers
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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Recent Examples of directs
It is understood Utz will work in tandem with Mathilde Favier, who directs the celebrities department for women, and Sam Maouchi, celebrity relations director for men.
—
Miles Socha, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2025
Sarah directs him to the art of the Renaissance.
—Scott Stossel, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2025
However, the study can only show an association and not a direct cause and effect, said Duval, who now directs applied research at CReATe Fertility Centre, a fertility clinic in Toronto.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
The measure directs Kennedy and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary to take actions to ensure transparency and accuracy in drug advertising, including by increasing the amount of information related to any product risks, officials said.
—Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
Al Campbell directs the miniseries.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
This ensures fair pay across all levels, highlights clear upskilling paths and directs budget toward high-impact roles—balancing equity, transparency and financial discipline.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Johnson, 53, stars as MMA fighter Mark Kerr in sports drama The Smashing Machine, which Safdie directs.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Sep. 2025
Fujii directs alongside Yamaguchi Kento and Yamamoto Toru, with screenplay duties handled by Fujii, Yamaguchi, and Yashiro Risa.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025
Miles Socha, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2025
Sarah directs him to the art of the Renaissance.
—Scott Stossel, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2025
However, the study can only show an association and not a direct cause and effect, said Duval, who now directs applied research at CReATe Fertility Centre, a fertility clinic in Toronto.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
The measure directs Kennedy and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary to take actions to ensure transparency and accuracy in drug advertising, including by increasing the amount of information related to any product risks, officials said.
—Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
Al Campbell directs the miniseries.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
This ensures fair pay across all levels, highlights clear upskilling paths and directs budget toward high-impact roles—balancing equity, transparency and financial discipline.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Johnson, 53, stars as MMA fighter Mark Kerr in sports drama The Smashing Machine, which Safdie directs.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Sep. 2025
Fujii directs alongside Yamaguchi Kento and Yamamoto Toru, with screenplay duties handled by Fujii, Yamaguchi, and Yashiro Risa.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for directs
Verb
-
Every few years, Aziz Ansari learns about a new sociological phenomenon and funnels it into his work.—
Hershal Pandya,
Vulture,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Chrome is absolutely central to Google's business model, serving as the gateway that funnels billions of users toward Google's search engine and, ultimately, its advertising goldmine.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
When people violate the rules, the policy instructs the officer to first work to educate the rider to make sure they’re informed, rather than step right to enforcement.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
8 Sep. 2025
-
The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines each contain mRNA, which instructs cells to manufacture the coronavirus spike protein, simulating infection with the virus.—
Joshua P. Cohen,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Bill Nye Our favorite Science Guy orders a caramel macchiato made with coconut milk.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Continue reading … ORDER FROM THE COURT – Georgia judge orders Fani Willis to redo search for records in Trump election case.—
,
FOXNews.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In this photo, mama, who liked posing for the camera, supervises her litter of kittens.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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Cucinelli supervises the company’s image and communication, especially through social platforms, and has greatly contributed to reach out to the younger generations.—
WWD Staff,
Footwear News,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
According to a five-pillar plan shared with CNBC, Cruz also aims to create federal standards for AI, prevent AI from being used in harmful ways such as scams, allow free speech and address ethical concerns.—
Emily Wilkins,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Slate Auto, which is also funded by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and General Catalyst, aims to bring modular, fully customizable electric trucks to market.—
Jessica Mathews,
Fortune,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In the 2,000-meter 8+ race, Kate and Gabby shared the boat with a total of eight rowers plus a coxswain who steers the boat and sets the cadence.—
Karen Billing,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Sep. 2025
-
The conceit is inherently crowdpleasing — a man stumbling into strangers’ lives and finding unexpected connection — but Hikari steers it with earnestness, elevating it beyond sentimental comedy.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In this photo provided by the Royal Navy on September 9, 2025, the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, left, conducts a joint operation with the Japanese aircraft carrier JS Kaga, right, in the Sea of Japan.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Honda conducts an annual symposium in Japan where engineers and researchers from across the company including HRC gather to present and publish papers on their developments.—
Sam Abuelsamid,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In short, the new material can be thought of as a smart, rubbery material that tells you when it’s stressed out by literally changing color.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Sep. 2025
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The percentage tells the public how much of the fire perimeter is believed to not go beyond the control lines.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Directs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directs. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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