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
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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
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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
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4
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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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
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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
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Cite this Entry
“Directs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directs. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.
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