Synonyms of directs

directs

verb

present tense third-person singular of direct

1

as in conducts

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

• conducts
• channels
• carries
• funnels
• focuses
• pipes
• channelizes
• transmits
• siphons
• conveys
• canalizes
• consolidates
• concentrates

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

• instructs
• tells
• orders
• asks
• commands
• enjoins
• advises
• begs
• bosses (around)
• bids
• warns
• adjures
• requires
• appoints
• requests
• charges
• authorizes
• compels
• supervises
• assigns
• petitions
• entreats
• leads
• manages
• beseeches
• conducts
• oversees
• counsels
• forces
• obliges
• controls
• constrains
• coerces
• superintends
• commissions

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• follows
• minds
• obeys
• observes
• keeps
• complies (with)

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

• orders
• requests
• dictates
• asks
• requires
• mandates
• calls
• ordains
• calls for
• commands
• demands
• decrees
• petitions

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• cancels
• rescinds
• countermands

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

• supervises
• oversees
• manages
• operates
• regulates
• conducts
• handles
• governs
• controls
• runs
• administers
• tends
• guides
• keeps
• protects
• administrates
• leads
• overlooks
• steers
• superintends
• watches over
• presides (over)
• carries on
• watches
• stewards
• minds
• cares (for)
• guards
• pilots
• safeguards
• micromanages
• stage-manages
• codirects
• comanages

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

• aims
• casts
• holds
• levels
• focuses
• sets
• heads
• bends
• pinpoints
• steers
• trains
• concentrates
• sights
• faces
• orients
• bears
• inclines

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• diverts
• deflects
• averts
• curves
• shunts
• detours
• sidetracks
• rechannels

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

• steers
• guides
• leads
• accompanies
• conducts
• shows
• ushers
• routes
• precedes
• pilots
• marshals
• escorts
• manages
• attends
• sees
• controls
• chaperones
• convoys

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• follows
• trails
• tails
• shadows
• dogs
• hounds
• tailgates

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of directs

Vinay Waikul directs from scripts by Sambit Mishra and Saurabh Sawant. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Trump’s move casts doubt on the likelihood of the White House imposing sanctions on Russia this month, given that a bipartisan law passed by Congress directs the administration to target the top importers of Russian oil and gas. — Michelle L. Price, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026

Irrigation water may also become a greater concern when walkways have inadequate drainage or landscaping directs water toward pedestrian areas. — Christyne D. Santisteban, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026

Pritzker's order also directs the Illinois Department of Transportation to consider extending the Illinois Harvest Permit program, which allows heavier truck weights on specified routes, into 2027. — Bernarda Malevska, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

Charitos, director of Wild Bees, one of Greek television’s biggest ever successes, directs all six episodes. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

The policy directs federal agencies to facilitate commercial access to government launch facilities and encourage private investment and public-private partnerships in space infrastructure. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026

Choi is managing partner of Equitas Partners and directs the City Council’s Artificial Intelligence Community Engagement (AICE) Initiative. — Steven Choi, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026

Six-time Tony winner Michael Arden directs, adding another major Broadway credit to a resume that includes Spring Awakening, Once on This Island, Parade, and Maybe Happy Ending. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2026