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 The order directs the Department of Water Resources to stage flood-fighting supplies such as sandbags and pumps, while Caltrans prepares traffic-control and snow-removal equipment along vulnerable highways. — Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026 The Lamplighters’ current director is Mark Barone, and John Schultz directs the Harmonizers. — Tom Strong, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026 Chastain and Kelly Carmichael executive produce via Freckle Films alongside Alan Poul, Melissa James Gibson, and Matthew Heineman, who also directs. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 Sep. 2026 Davis is a fish biologist who directs the Dos Rios Norte project for River Partners. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 20 Sep. 2026 Julianne Moore is set to be honored with the Golden Icon Award and will accept the accolade alongside Jesse Eisenberg, who directs her in his latest feature The Debut, a musical-comedy co-starring Paul Giamatti. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026 Tina Gharavi directs based on a screenplay by Justine Waddell; Haley Bennett stars as Katherine Hilbery, with Lily Allen as Mary Datchet, Elyas M’Barek as Ralph Denham, and Jack Whitehall as William Rodney. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 14 Sep. 2026 Daniel Kaluuya plays her brother, and Chris Rock both directs — returning for his first film since 2014’s Top Five, which also premiered at TIFF — and co-stars as the director of a Dreamgirls revival that could be Misty’s big break. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2026 Keaton Wooden directs, with Antoinette DiPietropolo choreographing. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for directs

Verb

Harvard provides extraordinary financial aid and conducts critical research.

— Jayson Weingarten, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026
China has long claimed the sovereign territory as its own and regularly conducts large-scale military drills, live-fire exercises, and daily air and naval patrols to apply pressure on the island.

— Mariam Khan, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of conducts

Verb

In this model, the device being signed into presents a code and instructs the user to enter it into a browser on a separate device.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026
Beside the cigarette vendor, another man is pulling a rainbow fishing net he's woven from its display on the long branch of a tree and instructs a cruiser to crouch before him.

— Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of instructs

Verb

The law orders the California Public Utilities Commission to create special requirements and rates for data centers’ use of electricity, including the costs for new power and for infrastructure upgrades.

— Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
The action is that the user orders dinner, uploads a photo or completes a weekly challenge.

— Michal Rahamim, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of orders

Verb

Some act like the cool parent who supervises their child’s drug use.

— Dónal Gill, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026
In her current role, Second Assistant District Attorney, Sprague supervises all homicides that occur in Plymouth County as well as all firearm and narcotics cases, according to her profile.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of supervises

Verb

The project also aims to conduct its first operation combining robots and drones within its first year, with the different systems communicating through software and algorithms.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
Established in 2015, the EAFF aims to help people with amputations or limb defects gain access to amputee soccer throughout Europe.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of aims

Verb

In the carousel of images, Yarmosky, 39, steers the boat and smiles as the pair enjoy some quality time together.

— Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
The approach does not have the same oversight, services or safeguards in place as the traditional foster care system, which also steers kids to live with family members.

— Romy Ellenbogen Herald, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of steers

Verb

Rounding out the new offerings is Wings, which channels Schlumberger’s love of using multiple metals in a single design.

— Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026
The property now reflects a vibrant, modern aesthetic that channels Havana’s golden age and Florida tropical cool.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026