DIRECTS Synonyms: 131 Similar and Opposite Words

directs

verb

present tense third-person singular of direct

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

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Relevance

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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as in supervises

to look after and make decisions about the music teacher directs both the student orchestra and the marching band

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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

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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

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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 directs This circuit takes one incoming signal and directs it toward different destinations based on another control signal. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026 The order directs the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to stop issuing leases and permits in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed. — Beret Leone, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026 Dainara Toffoli directs the biopic, which was written by Carina Schulze and Patrícia Andrade. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026 The regulation neither directs an investigation of the Minnesota officials nor alleges wrongdoing. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 17 Aug. 2026 Federle, whose book reflects a love of theatre; and two-time Tony Award winner Nicholaw, who directs a cast led by Tompsett and Barks. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026 Co-created by Gillis, Gerben, and John McKeever, who directs. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026 The new law directs federal officials to issue guidance for these buildings and authorizes grants to test their safety and cost. — Solomon Greene, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2026 But a slightly dusty coffee table isn’t where Chin-Hong directs most of his energy. — Angela Haupt, Time, 10 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for directs

Verb

The executive order says the restriction is temporary while the department conducts a broader policy review.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026
One of the challenges of the technique is making a sorbent that won’t degrade from the heat and that conducts electricity uniformly.

— Emily Waltz, IEEE Spectrum, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of conducts

Verb

Wayne orders Priscilla to shoot Lucky, who is preparing for the worst and apologizing to God.

— Derek Lawrence, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026
Consider earlier in Episode 8, when Patricia orders a delightful takeout dinner (chicken parm, slice of pie), only to discover she’s been given a dry turkey patty and a single sausage link.

— Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of orders

Verb

The State Board of Education supervises public K–12 education across the state, overseeing educational interests in Kansas.

— Zuri Primos July 26, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
David Smith, who supervises the district’s aedes crew, said his team has received an increasing number of service requests for day-biting mosquitoes within the neighborhood.

— Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of supervises

Verb

Now, nearly a decade later, a new app aims to restore the format and spirit of its predecessor.

— Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Baghaei said the visit aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Iran and Pakistan and continue Pakistan’s work to promote peace and security in the region.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of aims

Verb

Instead, Gruver steers people toward solid-wood accent tables, side chairs, and case goods such as dressers and buffets.

— Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 14 Aug. 2026
When its waters warm in just the right places, the jet stream — the fast-moving river of air that steers storms — often shifts its path.

— Sarah Moore, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of steers

Verb

Harking back to its Jurassic forbear, The End of Oak Street channels everyone's favorite '80s Amblin classics, but with a far more vicious bite.

— Megan McCluskey, Time, 14 Aug. 2026
Rather than tell O’Connor’s story, Tayeh channels the singer’s ferocious energy through the bodies of her ten dancers, all women over forty, all with something to say.

— Shauna Lyon, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of channels

Verb

At the same time, the film tells a true story that powerfully illustrates how indispensable investigative journalism is in uncovering historical crimes.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026
Meanwhile, the Harford County Humane Society tells CBS News Baltimore there have been 140 owner surrenders through the county's animal control this summer, which is double last summer's total.

— Tara Lynch, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026