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 Add the ramen noodles to the boiling water and cook for approximately 2 1/2 minutes, or according to the noodle manufacturer's instructions. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 Always follow the instructions on the product label for the correct application rate. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 23 Aug. 2026 There are no instructions handed out, no pregame walkthroughs. — Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 The label increasingly attached to these products is artificial intelligence, though a good deal of what lies beneath is a rules engine carrying out instructions somebody typed. — Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 Travelers should remain calm, follow official instructions, keep walkways clear, and report unusual activity to airport security. — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 22 Aug. 2026 Make the fertilizing easier by applying a slow release product following container instructions that can feed your pepper plants for several months. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026 For initial setup, there's little to do beyond connecting the Boom Air to a power outlet, turning it on, and following the standard Google TV setup instructions on screen. — M. David Stone, PC Magazine, 22 Aug. 2026 To prevent this, always use distilled water and keep it clean, following the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. — Kendall Bettle, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instructions

Noun

This is different from heat-transporting phonons at room temperature, which spread out evenly in all directions.

— Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026
As of Sunday morning, the Hawk Fire was 0% contained and was moving in different directions as the winds changed, complicating the fight.

— CBS News, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of directions

Noun

Although the company didn’t provide a detailed breakdown of orders, the tweet offers a glimpse into customer support volume.

— Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026
Within the system, autonomous mobile robots called SymBots retrieve totes holding goods from storage before bringing them to a pick station where an operator can fulfill multiple orders simultaneously.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of orders

Noun

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
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

Definition of edicts

Noun

The mayor and other commissioners are chosen by voters and can direct the city manager through resolutions and other directives to take actions for the city.

— Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026
As they’ve mercifully been decreased from six to four to three over the last 50 years, so have the prime directives.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 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

However, separate temporary restraining orders or injunctions issued to specific athletes by individual state courts (such as in California) remain active, hence Dent’s eligibility.

— Devon Henderson, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Those athletes can still seek injunctions in other forums, including state courts, but relying on a nationwide one granted by a federal judge is off the table.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 21 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 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of instructions

noun

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