1
as in conducts
to cause to move to a central point or along a restricted pathway
the aqueduct directs the water into an artificial lake
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in instructs
to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority
our tour guide directed us to wait in front of the building until she could rejoin us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in orders
to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority
the caretaker directed that all of the windows be closed before we left
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in supervises
to look after and make decisions about
the music teacher directs both the student orchestra and the marching band
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in aims
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal
we quickly directed our attention toward the noise coming from the rear
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in steers
to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front
the guide directed the tour through the museum with commendable efficiency and expertise
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of directs
Domestic Shield directs counter-drone resources to locations facing the greatest operational risk.
—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
7 July 2026
As her daughter sweeps away the last piles of sand, 54-year-old Nuru Mohammed directs women hanging fishing nets to serve as décor.
—
ABC News,
6 July 2026
They’re also not supposed to launch them near buildings or vehicles, or in any way that directs fireworks toward people or property.
—
Gabby Sartori,
USA Today,
3 July 2026
Helping matters there were two writers — Aric Avelino (who also directs three episodes this season) and Birse — that were tasked with tracking characters’ memories.
—
Alex Zalben,
IndieWire,
2 July 2026
Judge John Weeks denied May’s request to sanction Daniel and to hold King’s bond insufficient for violating a condition that directs him not to contact witnesses.
—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 July 2026
Minnesota’s warning label law directs the Minnesota Department of Health to provide direction on the health warning.
—
Alex Derosier,
Twin Cities,
1 July 2026
Robyn Linscott, who directs education and family policy at The Arc of the United States, a major disability rights group, recalled attending a three-hour listening session the Education Department hosted in January.
—
Heather Hollingsworth,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2026
Pets Requires pet dealers to disclose veterinarian records and directs the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to set up a public website listing people convicted of animal cruelty by the end of the year (SB 1004).
—
Jim Turner,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
7 July 2026
As her daughter sweeps away the last piles of sand, 54-year-old Nuru Mohammed directs women hanging fishing nets to serve as décor.
—
ABC News,
6 July 2026
They’re also not supposed to launch them near buildings or vehicles, or in any way that directs fireworks toward people or property.
—
Gabby Sartori,
USA Today,
3 July 2026
Helping matters there were two writers — Aric Avelino (who also directs three episodes this season) and Birse — that were tasked with tracking characters’ memories.
—
Alex Zalben,
IndieWire,
2 July 2026
Judge John Weeks denied May’s request to sanction Daniel and to hold King’s bond insufficient for violating a condition that directs him not to contact witnesses.
—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 July 2026
Minnesota’s warning label law directs the Minnesota Department of Health to provide direction on the health warning.
—
Alex Derosier,
Twin Cities,
1 July 2026
Robyn Linscott, who directs education and family policy at The Arc of the United States, a major disability rights group, recalled attending a three-hour listening session the Education Department hosted in January.
—
Heather Hollingsworth,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2026
Pets Requires pet dealers to disclose veterinarian records and directs the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to set up a public website listing people convicted of animal cruelty by the end of the year (SB 1004).
—
Jim Turner,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for directs
Verb
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Founded in 1999, ProCamps conducts more than 175 events each year with top professional and collegiate athletes, which will now be integrated under the FlexWork Sports brand.
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Best for wildlife control Why trust USA TODAY The USA TODAY review team conducts all research in-house and vets every company on our rankings list.
Verb
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The commission resolution, approved June 26 with Commissioner Miguel Gabela absent, instructs City Attorney George Wysong to explore legal avenues to blunt Live Local’s impact on the city, including potentially suing the state.
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In addition, the memo instructs the EPA to consider easing some civil enforcement against people who repair their own vehicles in good faith and restore them to their original operating condition.
Verb
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Finally, unable to stand down the household guard on her own, Alicent confesses her scheme to Helaena, who orders the sentries on the ramparts to hold fire when Rhaenyra flies in on Syrax.
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Agent Greer orders him to drop the weapon.
Verb
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Milshtein previously served as adviser to COGAT, which supervises civilian policy in the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip.
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As chief of patrol, Hein supervises the most visible aspects of the Police Department that define its image in the minds of most Chicagoans, including emergency response, crisis intervention, traffic control, routine patrol and community policing efforts.
Verb
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All eyes will be on Messi again as Argentina aims to knock off the tournament darling Cape Verde and advance to the Round of 16.
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Safety has become the number one reason why people choose cars over bikes in some countries, and Canyon aims to change that.
Verb
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The jet stream is a highway of air at high altitudes which steers weather systems.
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Taking a cue from nickelodeon piano players, composer John Powell steers the mood with a vibrantly eclectic score of sprightly ragtime, violin pathos and popcorn crescendos.
Verb
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The light blue color instantly channels coastal energy, while the relaxed fit feels ideal for everything from lazy lunches to wandering beach towns afterward.
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This guest channels major Chloé energy by styling belted, muted pink jeans with a romantic yet structured ruffled blouse, platform clogs, round sunnies, and a top-handle bag.
Verb
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As the film tells it, her poses — sometimes casual, sometimes intense, always impressive — caught the eye of fellow climber Ivan Beerkus, and the two soon began collaborating.
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David Martin, who leads the global people and organization practice at BCG, tells Fortune that too many companies are focused on one-hour training sessions, half-day bootcamps, and other classic learning and development programs.
Cite this Entry
“Directs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directs. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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