1
as in channeled
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 instructed
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 ordered
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 supervised
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 aimed
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 steered
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
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 directed
The English-language sports car biopic is being directed by Oscar winner Bobby Moresco (Crash).
—
Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 23 Dec. 2024
Alvarez prepared fraudulent returns himself and also directed his staff to follow fraudulent practices.
—Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Anna Foerster executive produced and directed multiple episodes.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024
Written and directed by Zargara, the short follows Arash (Sia Alipour), a young athlete on the cusp of professional wrestling stardom.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for directed 
Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 23 Dec. 2024
Alvarez prepared fraudulent returns himself and also directed his staff to follow fraudulent practices.
—Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Anna Foerster executive produced and directed multiple episodes.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024
Written and directed by Zargara, the short follows Arash (Sia Alipour), a young athlete on the cusp of professional wrestling stardom.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for directed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for directed
Verb
-
Following the death of Carter, aged 100, on December 29, 2024, President Joe Biden instructed all flags on public buildings to be lowered to half-staff for 30 days, a proclamation repeated by New York State's Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
4 Jan. 2025
-
Chiles won team gold at the Paris Olympics but became embroiled in one of the biggest controversies of the Games when she was instructed to give up her individual floor exercise bronze medal to Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu after a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.—
Benjamin Royer,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
All told, Wager designed, and then supervised the production of 1,200 uniforms.—
Rachel Elspeth Gross,
Forbes,
21 Dec. 2024
-
In his role, Alvarez prepared tax returns for customers and recruited and supervised ATAX workers who prepared tax returns for customers.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes,
19 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Samsung will herald its AI future at CES this week, and while the S25 will be more capable than any Galaxy before to process AI on-device, the reality is this is going to be a hybrid solution and the clear differences users had been steered towards are more blurry than before.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes,
5 Jan. 2025
-
This interest is being steered by Flavio Briatore, their executive advisor, who sees Colapinto as part of a growing trend in Formula 1 to focus on nurturing young talents.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Interview request The Chicago Bears have requested an interview with Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver for their head coaching job, according to the Athletic.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
6 Jan. 2025
-
It was then reported Butler officially requested a trade away from the Heat.—
Zach Harper,
The Athletic,
6 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
All Planet Fitness locations are independently owned and operated by individual franchise owners, so hours may vary by location.—
Amaris Encinas,
The Indianapolis Star,
24 Dec. 2024
-
The building hadn't operated as a church in several years, instead being utilized as a wedding venue for many in Indiana.—
Noe Padilla,
The Indianapolis Star,
24 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Highlights include guided aurora tours, dog sledding, and the world-famous Icehotel, rebuilt annually from snow and ice.—
David Nikel,
Forbes,
3 Jan. 2025
-
The reader is then guided through the practice of organizing their notes and tallying them to uncover recurring themes that resonate most strongly.—
Roxsy Lin,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Sources told Fox 8 that bomb-making materials were found at the rental property.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
-
In August 1979, a Florida sheriff’s deputy told authorities that his wife fatally shot herself at their home south of Tampa.—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC News,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Effectively, more is asked of players in these full-back positions in each game.—
Geoff Scott,
The Athletic,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Those with information about Doan are asked to contact Chief Investigator Maria Stewart at 513-946-8700.—
Erin Couch,
The Enquirer,
24 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near directed
Cite this Entry
“Directed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directed. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share