1
as in to teach
to cause to acquire knowledge or skill in some field
spent his military career instructing young pilots
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to inform
to give information to
instructed everyone in the use of the new telephone system
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to tell
to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority
the proctors instructed everyone to put their pencils down and hand in their tests
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instruct
In another, Erik (Poulter), a captain who had largely ensured that everyone remained calm, suddenly chokes while instructing the platoon on what to do.
—
Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 7 May 2025
Another key milestone is 2027, the year by which U.S. officials believe Xi has instructed his forces to be capable of taking Taiwan—though Beijing will not necessarily attempt the invasion during this or any other year.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
Notices for wage garnishment will begin later this summer, after which employers could be instructed to withhold a portion of take-home pay for those who haven’t made payment arrangements.
—Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
His withdrawal followed reports that he was presented with two letters signed by Francis before his death, instructing him not to take part in the conclave.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instruct
Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 7 May 2025
Another key milestone is 2027, the year by which U.S. officials believe Xi has instructed his forces to be capable of taking Taiwan—though Beijing will not necessarily attempt the invasion during this or any other year.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025
Notices for wage garnishment will begin later this summer, after which employers could be instructed to withhold a portion of take-home pay for those who haven’t made payment arrangements.
—Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
His withdrawal followed reports that he was presented with two letters signed by Francis before his death, instructing him not to take part in the conclave.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instruct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instruct
Verb
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The film’s director, Catherine Masud, who teaches at UConn, will present and discuss the film on May 17 at 5:30 p.m. at Real Art Ways.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
10 May 2025
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The way the Church teaches also needs to be more in action than through mere words.—
Mark R. Francis,
Time,
10 May 2025
Verb
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The film also stars Dave Bautista as Steve, the show’s producer who informs Shelly that her longtime gig is coming to an end.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2025
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Parents and teachers were not informed of that probe or her indictment on 19 charges in August 2024, and only discovered this information two months ago when local outlet WHYY broke the story.—
Chris Spargo,
People.com,
16 May 2025
Verb
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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo told reporters she was caught off guard by the news, and has asked the prosecutor's office to ask the U.S. Department of Justice for more information.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
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The percentage tells the public how much of the fire perimeter is believed to not go beyond the control lines.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
14 May 2025
Verb
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From tackling the country’s vicious dictatorship to honing in on intimate personal narratives while shattering taboos, Chilean documentary filmmakers continue to push boundaries and adapt to the pulse of broader social cues, committing to wide-ranging themes that not only educate, but enthral.—
Holly Jones,
Variety,
17 May 2025
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Robots surveil the streets as police officers, educate students as teachers and deliver packages as postal employees.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2025
Verb
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises residents in areas with excessive heat to wear light clothing, drink lots of water, use their air conditioning and avoid from exerting themselves outside in order to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
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The release advises anyone with further information to contact the North Little Rock Department Tip Line at (501) 680-8439 or Detective Adam Williams at 501-771-7167.—
Parker Mancino,
Arkansas Online,
18 May 2025
Verb
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Studios and streamers also aren't ordering as many shows these days.—
Mandalit del Barco,
NPR,
17 May 2025
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Bronx Criminal Court Judge Audrey Stone on Wednesday ordered that Jeremy Cortorreal spend the next two decades behind bars for killing Lisette Gomez back on March 21, 2023.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
17 May 2025
Verb
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Here's why Cassie said Combs threatened to 'blow up' Kid Cudi's car During cross-examination, Ventura Fine was asked about her relationship with rapper Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
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That’s the question writer-director Ari Aster’s somber comedy-Western Eddington, playing in competition here at the Cannes Film Festival, appears to be asking.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
17 May 2025
Verb
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Romania’s president has a semi-executive role that includes commanding the armed forces and chairing the security council that decides on military aid.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
4 May 2025
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The group also commands a large following on social — with more than 500K followers on Instagram and 637K on TikTok — and recently launched a nationwide live sketch tour.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
2 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instruct. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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