INSTRUCTIONS Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

instructions

noun

plural of instruction

as in directions

a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned needed an administrative assistant who was good at following instructions

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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 instructions The instructions did not forbid what happened, and the environments did not prevent it. — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Always refer to your machine’s specific manufacturer’s cleaning instructions as well. — Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2026 This all-in-one emergency and estate organizer covers 35 categories of essential documents, accounts, keys and instructions, from bank accounts and birth certificates to medical history, safeguarding and simplifying access in an emergency. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026 Most accidents happen when people miss important instructions, like re-entry times or safety precautions. — Nicole Hernandez, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026 Although consumers cannot access the private MLS directly, licensed agents can view information that is not publicly available, including showing instructions, price-change histories and other market data. — Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 Apply a slow-release fertilizer following label instructions. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2026 Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to fill the steam cleaner with water. — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 23 July 2026 The fundamental requirement was that the source code – the basic instructions – for a program should be made available. — Jeffrey Young, The Conversation, 23 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instructions

Noun

The Aries Moon in your 2nd House of Resources squares Mercury in your 5th House of Pleasure, so money, desire, creativity, or romance could pull your attention in different directions.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2026
The challenge is that the short and long-run effects may point to opposite policy directions.

— David Zhang, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of directions

Noun

Since Yu's soft launch of the new vehicle to the Chinese public, Stelato has announced that the G9 will officially open for pre-orders from August 5.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Aug. 2026
The three fires had collectively destroyed at least 700 structures and prompted evacuation orders affecting approximately 67,000 people as of Monday, according to The Associated Press.

— Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of orders

Noun

Those who oppose the Mexican Mafia, or fail to follow the edicts of the gang’s leaders, are often targeted for beatings or even death.

— Sean Emery, Oc Register, 22 July 2026
Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse The highly agile Getty shooter Alan Crowhurst has done us a great favor by bringing concrete cloakroom evidence of the many social and administrative challenges that the (famous) Royal Ascot costume edicts require in order to be properly met.

— Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026

Definition of edicts

Noun

Zaid Arzate, Powerhouse’s director of development and data center construction, said that even before Abbott’s directives, their plan met those requirements.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Aug. 2026
The Chinese government is still involved in this ecosystem, including, sometimes, through top-down directives.

— Natalia Cote-Muñoz, Foreign Affairs, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of directives

Noun

Wilde’s nine buttercream commandments show home bakers how to create visually striking, deeply personal cakes.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
After the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem, interpreters understood Temple service broadly in terms of study, prayer, and upholding the commandments.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026

Definition of commandments

Noun

Preliminary injunctions have a high bar and suggest the convenience stores are likely to prevail and could be harmed if the ordinance is not paused.

— Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
That lawsuit, along with two others, had led to injunctions that temporarily halted part of the rule.

— Max Blau, ProPublica, 22 July 2026

Definition of injunctions

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instructional

instructions

instructive

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“Instructions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instructions. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of instructions

noun

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