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Definitions

instruct

[in-struhkt] / ɪnˈstrʌkt /
VERB
inform, teach
Synonyms
STRONGEST
advise brief discipline disclose educate guide notify tell train tutor
STRONG
acquaint apprise brainwash coach counsel drill engineer enlighten ground lead lecture level pilot reveal school steer update
WEAK
break in break it to clue in drum into give lessons keep posted wise up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
conceal hide learn neglect
STRONG
deceive mislead
WEAK
ask
VERB
order, command
Synonyms
STRONGEST
assign direct tell warn
STRONG
bid charge define enjoin prescribe
Antonyms
WEAK
ask learn

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.

Some had to instruct lawyers and debt collectors and pursue taking a civil case against the operator, which runs a home which was at the centre of an undercover BBC investigation last year.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

Another appears to instruct Claude Code in some cases to go “undercover” and not reveal that it is an AI when publishing code to platforms like GitHub.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

After meeting Lisa at the Scottish Parliament, Justice Secretary Angela Constance said she would instruct government officials to explore what more could be done with councils, police and retailers.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

The council voted in December to instruct city agencies to produce those reports within 30 days.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

I wouldn’t know how to instruct her to do either one.

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett