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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of directs
How that team leader directs their colleagues is crucial to success.
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Don Yaeger, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Ben Stiller directs six of those entries (notably, the first and final three) with an unsettling symmetry; balancing and unbalancing compositions in order to undercut the inherent comforts of routine and uniformity.
—Erin Strecker, IndieWire, 3 Jan. 2025
The order directs state agencies to recommend potential actions that could help limit the harm associated with these products.
—Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 3 Jan. 2025
The council’s vote directs town staff to instead include a new requirement that appliances in new buildings cannot emit nitrogen oxide, or NOx.
—Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2024
Deaths of former presidents are announced by the sitting president by proclamation, who then directs the Department of Defense to conduct the state funeral.
—Conor Murray, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
The 3-mile out and back hike is moderate, climbing 300 feet over a ridge before descending into a desert canyon, which directs water into an oasis that supports surprisingly lush flora, including the eponymous palm trees.
—Graham Averill, Outside Online, 27 Dec. 2024
Under the title of executive producer, he is intricately involved in the show’s script development, directs most of the episodes, and oversees editing and postproduction.
—Rachel Syme, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
On valuing the contribution of the Christian faith to modern civilization and progress, Nef directs his readers to Alexis de Tocqueville, especially his letters to Gobineau.
—Alejandro Antonio Chafuen, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Don Yaeger, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Ben Stiller directs six of those entries (notably, the first and final three) with an unsettling symmetry; balancing and unbalancing compositions in order to undercut the inherent comforts of routine and uniformity.
—Erin Strecker, IndieWire, 3 Jan. 2025
The order directs state agencies to recommend potential actions that could help limit the harm associated with these products.
—Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 3 Jan. 2025
The council’s vote directs town staff to instead include a new requirement that appliances in new buildings cannot emit nitrogen oxide, or NOx.
—Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2024
Deaths of former presidents are announced by the sitting president by proclamation, who then directs the Department of Defense to conduct the state funeral.
—Conor Murray, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
The 3-mile out and back hike is moderate, climbing 300 feet over a ridge before descending into a desert canyon, which directs water into an oasis that supports surprisingly lush flora, including the eponymous palm trees.
—Graham Averill, Outside Online, 27 Dec. 2024
Under the title of executive producer, he is intricately involved in the show’s script development, directs most of the episodes, and oversees editing and postproduction.
—Rachel Syme, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024
On valuing the contribution of the Christian faith to modern civilization and progress, Nef directs his readers to Alexis de Tocqueville, especially his letters to Gobineau.
—Alejandro Antonio Chafuen, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for directs
Verb
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The bill instructs the convening of an 11-member council with appointments made by the president and leaders in both parties to include academic experts, researchers, parents, youth representatives and others who are well-versed in social media and online safety.Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 19 Dec. 2024
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The tablet also instructs adherents to worship on Mount Gerizim, a holy site for Samaritans, near the modern-day city of Nablus.Sarah Ventre, NPR, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
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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
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Authentic Brands Group now also steers Muhammad Ali’s and Elvis Presley’s publicity rights.Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
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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
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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
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Jamie gives him a lethal stare and tells him to go away.Lincee Ray, EW.com, 4 Jan. 2025
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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
Verb
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The role of an ombudsman The state ombudsman works independently from the Health and Human Services Department, which oversees the state’s long-term care facilities.Jess Huff, Austin American-Statesman, 27 Dec. 2024
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The Panama Canal Authority, an autonomous government agency, oversees the canal's administration.Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The decision, paired with general manager Chris Drury’s open-for-business memo that mentioned Kreider by name, casts doubt over the 33-year-old’s future with the organization.Peter Baugh, The Athletic, 28 Dec. 2024
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Player 1 casts the final vote to keep the game going and is revealed to be … Front Man, unmasked as In-ho.Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 26 Dec. 2024
Verb
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As a former head writer on SNL, Meyers deftly guides the conversation toward craft, while Samberg, Schaffer, and Taccone reflect on their work’s legacy with humility.Marnie Shure, The Atlantic, 24 Dec. 2024
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When their organization's North Star consistently guides decisions, organizations create a foundation for sustainable, long-term success.Julian Hayes II, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The trick is that those outfits will be repurposed for next year’s pantomime season for one of the other pantos Harrison manages.Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 7 Dec. 2024
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Ruth manages to solve that only for Remy and Mike to start fist fighting among the barrels and against the tanker, and then Gary (Meegwun Fairbrother) shows up just as Ruth gets a critical call about her husband’s medical condition.Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 7 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near directs
Cite this Entry
“Directs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directs. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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