1
as in to teach
to cause to acquire knowledge or skill in some field
spent his military career instructing young pilots
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to inform
to give information to
instructed everyone in the use of the new telephone system
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to tell
to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority
the proctors instructed everyone to put their pencils down and hand in their tests
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instruct
Sassoon, in her resignation letter, said she had been prepared to file more charges against Adams, accusing him of destroying and instructing others to get rid of evidence and providing false information to the FBI.
—
Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 14 Feb. 2025
The notice instructed her to take down her skeletons.
—Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2025
The House resolution calls for at least $1.5 trillion in spending cuts and instructs more than a handful of committees to find ways to reduce the deficit, while increasing spending for several other issue areas.
—Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 13 Feb. 2025
Instead of fighting the suits, the CFPB has instead asked for a pause in the proceedings and has reportedly instructed its lawyers not to make appearances in the matters.
—Alana Semuels, TIME, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instruct
Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 14 Feb. 2025
The notice instructed her to take down her skeletons.
—Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2025
The House resolution calls for at least $1.5 trillion in spending cuts and instructs more than a handful of committees to find ways to reduce the deficit, while increasing spending for several other issue areas.
—Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 13 Feb. 2025
Instead of fighting the suits, the CFPB has instead asked for a pause in the proceedings and has reportedly instructed its lawyers not to make appearances in the matters.
—Alana Semuels, TIME, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instruct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instruct
Verb
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For one student of Venezuelan heritage, moving to the U.S. without English skills taught him tremendous perseverance.—
Kristen Moon,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
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And because grad school trains the next generation of academics—those who will be teaching students, discovering knowledge, and translating science into practice—this means the future of the university itself is in trouble too.—
Ian Bogost,
The Atlantic,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, have said that the players have been informed of the decision.—
Jordan Campbell,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
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They were informed earlier this week that their superstar center, Victor Wembanyama, is ruled out for the rest of the season due to a blood clot in his right shoulder.—
Mark Joseph,
Newsweek,
23 Feb. 2025
Verb
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His home was reportedly raided by the FBI on Wednesday, a family member told TMZ, but said Hantz left the Bandidos gang last year.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
20 Feb. 2025
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People tend to think of boat pose as a core exercise, Dr. Harding tells SELF.—
Jenny McCoy,
SELF,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Stanford educated Soubhik Dawn, a two-time founder and seasoned product management professional, understands the abyss that confronts many job seekers.—
Rodger Dean Duncan,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
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The organization works with Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, a non-governmental group that promotes and protects human rights in the country, to educate state bodies, such as the Nigerian military, on the experiences of trans Nigerians.—
Damisola Sulaiman,
The Dial,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Community bankers are advocating for fewer regulations, while Federal Reserve officials advise a balance between consumer protection and economic growth.—
Russ Wiles,
USA TODAY,
24 Feb. 2025
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But several national security agencies, including the FBI, and multiple other federal departments advised staffers not to respond to the email immediately, suggesting that the broader executive branch was not informed of nor prepared for the demand.—
Andrew Torgan,
CNN,
23 Feb. 2025
Verb
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While waiting for the rice to cook, most Nature Pagoda customers order mini tureens of herbal soups, such as black chicken with either ginseng or a blend of Chinese herbs.—
Laurie Ochoa,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Feb. 2025
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In addition to paring back federal employment rosters (more on that below), Trump has ordered Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, to seek ways to eliminate wasteful spending.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes,
22 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to contact the authorities.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA TODAY,
22 Feb. 2025
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If Dwight Powell is unable to play Friday against the Pelicans, the Mavericks may ask Edwards to man the middle again.—
Christian Clark,
The Athletic,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
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In this digital age, his occasional social media spats have commanded as much attention as his silky-smooth jump shot.—
Darnell Mayberry,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
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The specialty varieties of coffee harvested at the farm have long commanded a hefty premium, reflecting their status as the source of aromatic brews savored like fine wine from Seattle to Seoul.—
Peter S. Goodman,
New York Times,
22 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instruct. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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