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

Eisenberg writes and directs the film, along with the original songs. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026

Barry wrote the series, serves as showrunner and is exec producing alongside Susanne Bier, who directs all episodes, as well as Frank Spotnitz, Emily Feller, Tobi de Graaff, and Antoine Douaihy. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026

Rubin, who directs JAŸ-Z in 8, guides Jay through a playlist of songs tied to some of his life’s most painful chapters. — John Kennedy, VIBE.com, 24 Sep. 2026

The proclamation directs state agencies to stage flood-fighting supplies, prepare infrastructure and help communities reduce risks from flooding, landslides and coastal hazards. — Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2026

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

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