as in overseeing
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Dissimilar Words
as in commanding
Related Words
1
as in channeling
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
2
as in instructing
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 ordering
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 supervising
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 aiming
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in guiding
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 directing
Justin Kroll, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2026
Netflix picked up the film after Gandbhir won the Sundance directing award.
—Addie Morfoot, Variety, 8 Jan. 2026
Already racking up 15 Emmy nominations (and two wins), this HBO prequel series reinvigorates the franchise with breathtaking cinematography and CGI, stellar directing choices, and exceptional performances — offering a satisfying counterbalance to GOT's divisive end.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Jan. 2026
Levon is following in the footsteps of his parents and Maya, pursuing acting, writing, directing and music.
—Ilana Frost, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025
About 70 students are working around the clock, directing, producing and hosting the entire broadcast.
—Jessica Riley, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025
King earned a following, not to mention a few BAFTA Award nominations, for directing and co-writing the first two Paddington movies, which earned devotion and acclaim for their whimsy and heart.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 18 Dec. 2025
Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026
Agitators directing traffic and impeding law enforcement activity in Minnesota are drawing sharp criticism from a former police official, who warns the scenes signal a dangerous normalization of obstruction that threatens public safety and the rule of law.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 11 Jan. 2026
Try directing her attention by asking her leading questions about herself, her past, her opinions and her memories.
—Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2026
Try directing her attention by asking her leading questions about herself, her past, her opinions, and her memories.
—Eric Thomas, Baltimore Sun, 11 Jan. 2026
The pair also spoke about their dynamic with Cooper, who in addition to directing the film, co-wrote it alongside Arnett and Mark Chappell.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
Christo and Jeanne-Claude disregarded all threats of legal action, directing Running Fence to complete its predestined voyage into the sea.
—Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
Ramsay told Vulture that her directing style on the movie was born of wanting the actors to feel free on the set.
—Zack Sharf, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
The movie was the directorial debut of Michael Cimino, who would later go on to win a best directing Oscar for his 1978 Vietnam War drama The Deer Hunter.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
Billy Bob Thornton and Ariana Greenblatt are set to star in Somedays, a feature film that Brian Klugman is writing and directing.
—Verb
In addition to his directing prowess, Reiner's skills as an actor were recognized by the Golden Globes in the past.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for directing
Noun
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The compact sport utility vehicle's ($60,000) two-box design underwent a dramatic metamorphosis, with the latest iteration taller, longer, wider and more commanding.—
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Neither team took a commanding lead until the fourth quarter when the Bobcats came up clutch to earn their first conference victory.—
Verb
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There were some major wins on the red carpet, with Mia Goth stepping out in Dior and Ariana Grande channelling her inner-Glinda in a beaded Alberta Ferretti number.—
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Sure enough, Rico Dowdle slipped (again), botched the pitchback (which Bryce Young tried to pick up rather than immediately dive on, unfortunately channeling Cam Newton in the Super Bowl) and the Bucs recovered.—
Verb
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Issue guidance instructing pharmacists and other health care providers to encourage COVID-19 vaccines, as well as to prescribe and administer them.—
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Goya’s print with this quote originally features a master donkey, seemingly instructing a disciple.—
Verb
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But videos captured by other observers and members of the public show an ICE agent approaching a Honda Pilot that was stopped on a snowy road and ordering the driver — later identified as Good — to open the door before grabbing the handle.—
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The wrong ordering principle Powerful forces militate against the idea of organizing the world into spheres-of-influence.—
Verb
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Although Shirley’s video implied the day care was empty, several of the violations noted in that report involved overcrowding, with too many children in some rooms and too few adults supervising them.—
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That’s one of the big goals of the San Diego Public Library’s winter reading challenge, explains Emily Derry, the library’s supervising librarian for youth and family services.—
Verb
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The Hoosier Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.—
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The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.—
Verb
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Mike Vrabel has breathed life into the New England Patriots, guiding them to a 7-2 start while riding a six-game winning streak despite fielding a roster that still has its fair share of deficiencies.—
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Mamdani, 34, is a charismatic socialist who has limited experience in the private sector and seems utterly unconcerned about his guiding philosophy’s long track record of creating misery.—
Adjective
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Rousseau is a notoriously controlling and meticulous leader, obsessed with optics and strict about the physical fitness of his members.—
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Yet another was a forum for people who, like me, had left a highly controlling religious denomination.—
Cite this Entry
“Directing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directing. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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