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 Check the care tag for specific instructions on water temperature and which products to use or avoid, such as chlorine bleach. — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2026 Just remember that recipes are closer to blueprints than Lego instructions. — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Sep. 2026 Take some time to read through the manufacturer’s instructions before starting to adjust based on the cut of meat. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026 Public libraries offer free SHSAT books with instructions, explanations, and complete sample tests, along with free online tutoring. — Wai Wah Chin, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2026 OpenAI says those institutions appear frequently because research agents often receive instructions to consult authoritative public sources. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026 Check what your local program accepts and follow its preparation instructions. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026 But jury nullification gives them the power to disregard those instructions. — Monu Bedi, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026 When disinfecting surfaces, let the cleanser sit for the time specified in the product’s instructions. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 20 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instructions

Noun

Borders should follow water flows, not compass directions, Powell believed.

— Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
University police issued the shelter-in-place order earlier Sunday night, instructing people to close windows and doors, report anything unusual to police and await further directions.

— Adam Bednar, Baltimore Sun, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of directions

Noun

Today the family receives orders from Miami, Texas, Hawaii, Oregon and even Toronto.

— Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
Square data shows that orders have skyrocketed more than 150% year-over-year, making the Hugo Spritz the fastest-growing cocktail this past summer.

— Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of orders

Noun

The film by and large follows the edicts of Iranian neorealism, with unobtrusive observations and a naturalistic soundscape.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
Many believe Beijing perceived Tung as a loyalist who would obey the Communist leadership’s edicts.

— Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of edicts

Noun

Some have done so, the prosecutor explained, by slow-walking directives of dubious merit, such as orders to investigate voter fraud by noncitizens—a phenomenon that Trump has falsely claimed is rampant.

— Eyal Press, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
This action follows previous directives this summer aimed at regulating data center expansion.

— Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of directives

Noun

This is, of course, the conception of fundamentalist theology, which threatens eternal hellfire for anyone who defies its commandments.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of commandments

Noun

The case is likely headed to the Supreme Court, which has previously allowed deportations to continue by lifting temporary injunctions.

— Mick Krever, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026
The lawsuit was filed in Travis County and seeks a declaratory judgment and injunctions.

— Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of injunctions

Browse Nearby Words

instructional

instructions

instructive

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“Instructions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instructions. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of instructions

noun

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