1
as in funnels
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
Wade Hair directs the musical for the theater, 6900 Aloma Ave.
—
Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2025
Missy Barnes directs the production, which tells the story of the title character, a teenage girl who endures relentless bullying at school and a fanatically religious mother at home.
—Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2025
Morgan Morse plays Williams and Ben Hope directs.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2025
Azazel Jacobs directs with necessary restraint, letting the film unfold in long, unbroken takes that capture the discomfort of close quarters and emotional unease.
—Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Additionally, the order directs Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to remove and clean up all homeless encampments on federal land.
—Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 27 Mar. 2025
The court’s order, which takes effect May 12, directs state judges to allow no more than 270 days of new delays for criminal cases filed in 2022 or before.
—Kyle Hopkins, ProPublica, 27 Mar. 2025
Clicking on links in these emails directs you to a ClickFix trap.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025
The policy lays out a process for handling complaints, allows district administrators to implement the policy and directs questions about it to the superintendent.
—Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 19 Mar. 2025
Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2025
Missy Barnes directs the production, which tells the story of the title character, a teenage girl who endures relentless bullying at school and a fanatically religious mother at home.
—Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2025
Morgan Morse plays Williams and Ben Hope directs.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2025
Azazel Jacobs directs with necessary restraint, letting the film unfold in long, unbroken takes that capture the discomfort of close quarters and emotional unease.
—Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Additionally, the order directs Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to remove and clean up all homeless encampments on federal land.
—Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 27 Mar. 2025
The court’s order, which takes effect May 12, directs state judges to allow no more than 270 days of new delays for criminal cases filed in 2022 or before.
—Kyle Hopkins, ProPublica, 27 Mar. 2025
Clicking on links in these emails directs you to a ClickFix trap.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025
The policy lays out a process for handling complaints, allows district administrators to implement the policy and directs questions about it to the superintendent.
—Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 19 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for directs
Verb
-
The ninth commandment instructs us not to bear false witness.—
Mark Sandy,
TIME,
14 Mar. 2025
-
The other track instructs authorizing and revenue-raising committees to propose legislation that saves, spends, or generates revenues to match the budget resolution’s spending and revenue levels.—
Doug Criscitello,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Acutely self-aware but nevertheless unapologetic, Vasquez steers his surreal and cynical midnight treasure just to the point of mainstream acceptability here.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
13 Dec. 2024
-
Authentic Brands Group now also steers Muhammad Ali’s and Elvis Presley’s publicity rights.—
Michael Waters,
The Atlantic,
6 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
The company, which conducts air cargo flights and charter services, did not disclose the names of the pilots.—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC News,
18 Dec. 2024
-
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) indicated that House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has a trump card in his deck, which will prove to be invaluable once Congress conducts its House speaker vote next month.—
Asher Notheis,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
17 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Killers Of The Flower Moon A brilliant, heartbreaking true story, Killers of the Flower Moon tells the story of the Osage people and the greedy men who try to rob them of their wealth after oil is discovered on their tribal lands.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes,
4 Jan. 2025
-
Jamie gives him a lethal stare and tells him to go away.—
Lincee Ray,
EW.com,
4 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Next Tuesday, the team and the city (as well as the trust that oversees the land White Stadium is on) will head to trial and defend the stadium renovation.—
Meg Linehan,
The Athletic,
15 Mar. 2025
-
Adding to the uncertainty are layoffs at the Education Department, which oversees the federal loan system.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The ouster of nine veteran FBI leaders, including the heads of the Washington and New York field offices, removes respected leaders from their posts and casts doubt across the organization.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
TIME,
24 Mar. 2025
-
And even now, that loss casts a pall over his personal achievements that year, his first of nine consecutive All-Star seasons, first of four Gold Glove awards, and becoming the first player ever to win both Rookie of the Year and MVP.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
An instructor guides the class through shaping a cylinder, then attaching the bottom and handle.—
Tasha Tsiaperas,
Axios,
10 Mar. 2025
-
Setting out with a plan guides the entire process and leads you to a polished result.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Part of Historic Garden Week's uniqueness is that each club manages its individual tour, including selecting the homes and providing staffing on its tour date.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
12 Apr. 2025
-
But How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies manages that magic trick.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes.com,
12 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Directs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directs. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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