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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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 He's put together a Kickstarter campaign to fund this project; backers will receive STL files for 3D printing most of the components, along with a separate list of parts and assembly instructions to put the whole thing together on your own. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 9 Aug. 2026 Asked by the judge for her view on a proper response, prosecutor Madeline Jones suggested that the judge direct the jury to refer to its instructions and continue to deliberate. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Aug. 2026 Health officials also offer cooking instructions for clams, mussels and other shellfish. — ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026 Those breaches also show how unpredictable AI can be when interpreting instructions. — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026 Open your preferred app and add your device by following the on-screen instructions. — Harry Bennett, Space.com, 7 Aug. 2026 The user sets instructions, the agent interprets them, and the transaction may happen later, elsewhere, and at machine speed. — Raj Ananthanpillai, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Always refer to your machine’s specific manufacturer’s cleaning instructions as well. — Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2026 Most accidents happen when people miss important instructions, like re-entry times or safety precautions. — Nicole Hernandez, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instructions

Noun

Add the noodles to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
Maersk has also switched to the trans-Suez route on the Asia-Mediterranean AE19/SE4 service, with ships transiting in both directions since the end of July.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of directions

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

Nothing in twelve months of directives, license grants and product shutdowns suggests that trade is on the table.

— Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Party directives call for greater Chinese influence over rules governing the oceans, polar regions, cyberspace, outer space, nuclear safety, anticorruption efforts, climate change, and international finance.

— Mark Jia, Foreign Affairs, 7 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

An inquiry by the consumer protection division could lead to civil penalties, restitution or injunctions, and the division often partners with law enforcement when criminal activity is suspected.

— Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 6 Aug. 2026
In some states, like Tennessee and Ohio, injunctions granted in those cases will allow players who were plaintiffs in the lawsuits to utilize the transfer portal.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 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 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of instructions

noun

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