directs

present tense third-person singular of direct
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

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2
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
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

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 directs 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 This preference directs them along land routes such as the Bosporus in Turkey and the Strait of Gibraltar. Scott Travers, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024 The website directs those interested in On the Fifty packages to call for information. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 20 Dec. 2024 Gracey directs the uniquely personal film about Williams, capturing his wit, resilience, and extraordinary journey. Robert Lang, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024 Barry Jenkins directs, and at the premiere spoke about casting Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s daughter Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara, the daughter of Simba (voiced by Donald Glover) and Nala (voiced by Beyoncé). Kirsten Chuba, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Dec. 2024 Projects such as these have a real impact in building empathy toward victims, said Valerie Higgins, who directs the Sustainable Cultural Heritage Program at the American University of Rome. Ruchi Kumar, NPR, 10 Dec. 2024 Phylicia Rashad directs the new play from Jacobs-Jenkins, who wrote last season’s Tony Award-winning revival Appropriate. Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for directs
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Historic New Orleans Collection This is a museum, research center, and publisher that was founded in the 1960s and tells the story of New Orleans and the Gulf South through exhibitions, original texts, and its public research center.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2024
  • Design engineer Callie Gillespie tells Robb Report that the craft features larger trim tab systems that deploy further downwards to create a wave that billows out from behind.
    Jaclyn Trop, Robb Report, 24 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Andrea Murphy is the Statistics Editor who oversees lists like the Global 2000 and America’s Largest Private Companies.
    Andrea Murphy, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
  • The family of the Swedish artist oversees her foundation, which is responsible for the preservation of her artwork and legacy.
    Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The escalating fighting casts doubt over the junta's plan to hold an election next year.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
  • The boardwalk is open 24 hours, but many locals will tell you the best time to go is in the evening, when the sun sets over the water and casts a mesmerizing golden glow over the marsh.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

Thesaurus Entries Near directs

Cite this Entry

“Directs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directs. Accessed 28 Dec. 2024.

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