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 How could lay people, in light of these instructions, come to a unanimous conclusion as to what Clancy was thinking? — Richard E. Vatz, Baltimore Sun, 6 Sep. 2026 The Moon squares structured Saturn, making unclear emails, shifting responsibilities, or poorly explained instructions especially frustrating. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026 Tips for Applying Soil Alkalizers When working with soil alkalizers such as lime, be sure to read the instructions on the product packaging and wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves, goggles, and a dust mask. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2026 There was a feeling that the manager had concerns about his ability to carry out specific tactical instructions. — Jay Harris, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026 The judge then reread his instructions on reasonable doubt before sending them back to continue deliberating. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026 Several female jurors nodded enthusiastically as the judge read them the instructions. — Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026 The manager said to give Blodgett water but didn’t give any instructions about insulin, according to lawyers for the state and Blodgett’s family. — Jacques Billeaud, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 During his testimony, the prosecution produced a spiral notebook in which Clancy had left instructions for caretakers on when to put down the baby, which vegetables to prepare for dinner, how to cut up the sweet potatoes. — Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instructions

Noun

Decide which issue is genuinely urgent before letting both sides pull you in different directions.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Sep. 2026
The barrier is knowledge, in both directions The obstacle isn’t market access.

— Barrett Bingley, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of directions

Noun

At the previous race in Zandvoort last month, Ferrari didn’t issue team orders to swap its drivers at a critical late moment, where Leclerc was leading Hamilton but the Briton was faster on a different tire strategy.

— Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Puroway If all goes to plan, orders are slated to ship worldwide in November, and delivery costs will be confirmed based on your region once the campaign ends ($8 per order in the US and EU).

— Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of orders

Noun

Many believe Beijing perceived Tung as a loyalist who would obey the Communist leadership’s edicts.

— Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
The president’s orders and edicts have no basis in reality, are nonsensical and are making our nation significantly less safe.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of edicts

Noun

Election officials contend there isn’t enough time to revise their systems to comply with the new Postal Service directives.

— Lindsay Whitehurst, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
Election officials contend that there isn’t enough time to revise their systems to comply with the new Postal Service directives.

— Lindsay Whitehurst, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 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

Others, like soul singer Isaac Hayes's estate, have won injunctions to stop their music being played at Trump rallies.

— Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 5 Sep. 2026
The whistleblower also alleges that the administration moved forward with steps to create the new system during two initial injunctions from the court, which would have violated the court’s order.

— Jen Fifield, ProPublica, 2 Sep. 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 10 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of instructions

noun

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