directs

VERB

manage, oversee

Synonyms

STRONGEST

advise conduct control guide handle keep lead operate run supervise

STRONG

administer boss dispose dominate govern influence ordain quarterback regulate rule shepherd superintend

WEAK

be in the driver's seat call the shots carry on control the affairs of have the say head up preside over run the show run things take the reins

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abandon give up leave let go neglect obey serve

STRONG

follow mismanage submit surrender yield

WEAK

diverge misdirect misguide mislead

VERB

give instructions; teach

Synonyms

STRONGEST

address advise command deliver inform instruct order tell warn

STRONG

bid charge dictate enjoin lecture read

WEAK

give directions give orders

Antonyms

WEAK

diverge misdirect misguide mislead mismanage neglect

VERB

point in a direction; guide

Synonyms

STRONGEST

address aim cast conduct focus head intend lead mean present see set show steer target train turn

STRONG

beam escort fix incline indicate lay level pilot point route shepherd sight slant

WEAK

move in point the way sight on zero in

Antonyms

STRONGEST

follow ignore neglect obey overlook take

WEAK

diverge misdirect misguide mislead mismanage

VERB

send, usually by mail system

Synonyms

STRONGEST

address

STRONG

designate inscribe label mail mark route superscribe

Antonyms

WEAK

diverge misdirect misguide mislead mismanage neglect

VERB

put all of efforts toward

Synonyms

STRONGEST

address aim apply devote give set throw try turn

STRONG

bend endeavor fix settle strive

WEAK

buckle down

Antonyms

STRONG

forget ignore unsettle

WEAK

diverge misdirect misguide mislead mismanage neglect

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The legislation directs HUD to resolve tenant “disputes to the extent practicable,” and share possible federal law violations with other agencies like the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau to investigate.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

The Chicken Shop Date star, described by Peters as "super focused and creative", directs the trailer for the album and the video for My Regards.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

The tracker continuously follows the Sun throughout the day and directs sunlight into a 20 m plastic multimode optical fiber.

From Science Daily • May 18, 2026

Another major red flag about the website, advocates say, is that the website directs people to unregulated pregnancy clinics.

From Salon • May 17, 2026

Ms. Rochambeau turns to us, her face pale, directs us to head to the far corner of the library near the biographies.

From "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden