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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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

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 Other exec producers include Susanne Bier, who directs all episodes, as well as Frank Spotnitz for Big Light Productions, Emily Feller, Tobi de Graaff, Antoine Douaihy, and Anton TV. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026 Jacob Chase directs the sixth franchise entry, with Brandon Perea, Maisie Richardson-Sellers and a returning Lin Shaye; Blumhouse and Atomic Monster produce for Sony. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 Bassam Tariq, the director of your film Mogul Mowgli (2021), directs half of Bait. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 21 Aug. 2026 The memo also supports NASA’s ongoing work on commercial transportation to and from the Moon, and directs the agency to support future commercial robotic and human expeditions to Mars. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026 Of course, Antony Starr just wrapped up his run on The Boys, and Greg Yaitanes directs a new show every five minutes. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026 Mehnert directs the melanoma medical oncology program at NYU Langone Health. — Aria Bendix, NBC news, 19 Aug. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for directs

Verb

Along with expanding the baby box program across the United States, Kelsey conducts trainings for firefighters, police and other first responders on how to navigate any surrender scenario.

— Irene Wright, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
There’s still no resolution involving multiple El Camino Real coaches escorted off campus while the school conducts an investigation as to why their CPR and first-aid cards weren’t showing up in the Red Cross database.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of conducts

Verb

In an Investigation, Details Matter • Jacob’s Uncle Monty orders White Manna for lunch at the station.

— Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
Pecan is the fastest-growing fall flavor of the season, with DoorDash orders up 28% year over year from 2024 to 2025, according to the company’s 2025 fall flavors trend report.

— Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of orders

Verb

The executive also coordinates and supervises county departments and is responsible for submitting an annual balanced budget to the Legislature.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026
Bardin also supervises the company’s equity fund, launched in 2025 to finance documentary films and series with commercial potential.

— Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of supervises

Verb

Beijing aims to transform the region into a high-altitude green energy powerhouse, with projects that include a $168 billion megadam, currently under construction, that could stretch the limits of what human engineering has achieved.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
This shift aims to secure more predictable, recurring revenue and higher user retention, mitigating the volatility of hardware sales.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of aims

Verb

Second Dinner said once players choose a starter, the Draft Mode steers the choices to complementary cards, and they’re marked with archetypes.

— Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of steers

Verb

Despite Bret’s passionate insistence that his classmate is a serial killer, Croft tells him Robert is a good kid from a good family and sends him back to class.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
The limited series tells the story of two sisters who go on the run after an act of vengeance goes wrong.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026