as in overseeing
Related Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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 directing
Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 May 2026
Their directing is relentless, inventive, and unforgettable.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 12 May 2026
An eighth Paranormal Activity film is currently expected to arrive on May 21, 2027, with James Wan producing and Ian Tuason directing.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2026
The project continues a busy stretch for Wolfhard, who late last year wrapped his multi-year run Stranger Things and has steadily expanded his work across film, directing and music.
—Spin Staff, SPIN, 11 May 2026
Beyond acting and directing, McKidd is also focused on expanding his production company, Ferryman Films, which recently signed a deal with STV Studios.
—Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
Here’s What to ExpectVariety‘s TV Week is this week, bringing together top talent across directing, writing, acting, and producing for a series of intimate, high-impact experiences.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 4 May 2026
The adaptation of Thomas Harris' novel was first set up with Gene Hackman directing and potentially starring.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
Keeping yourself occupied with acting, directing, and different projects?
—Wisdom Iheanyichukwu, Vanity Fair, 17 Apr. 2026
Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 May 2026
But Ahangarani’s skill as a story teller, honed over a three-decade acting career including more than 40 features, and through directing a number of documentary shorts, is clear to see.
—Alissa Simon, Variety, 16 May 2026
Access to platforms was blocked off with bicycle-rack style barricades and roll-down gates as MTA police officers stood sentry, directing people to alternative transportation.
—Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 16 May 2026
This type of finish — on the volley, with the inside of one foot and directing the ball past the other foot — has become an increasingly common sight in football in the age of such technically gifted forwards.
—Simon Johnson, New York Times, 16 May 2026
Rishi Kapoor, who just a few years ago appeared to be a rising star in Miami-Dade County’s development scene, pleaded guilty on Friday to a pair of money-laundering and payroll-tax conspiracy charges stemming from a federal indictment accusing him of directing an $89 million fraud scheme.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026
Beyond acting, McKidd has also become a major creative force behind the camera, directing more than 45 episodes of Grey's Anatomy — including the gripping season 22 finale.
—Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
The Scottish actor, 52, joined Season 5 in 2008 and has remained a regular series star ever since, portraying the complex and good-hearted doctor while also directing 49 episodes, more than anyone else.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Pawel Pawlikowski, who won the directing prize at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival for Cold War, will be in competition with Fatherland, starring Sandra Hüller.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 8 May 2026
Noun
Pre-production on the pic is has begun, with Tan overseeing the action design in collaboration with a fight choreographer and Roel Reiné (Classified) directing.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 May 2026
Their directing is relentless, inventive, and unforgettable.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 12 May 2026
An eighth Paranormal Activity film is currently expected to arrive on May 21, 2027, with James Wan producing and Ian Tuason directing.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2026
The project continues a busy stretch for Wolfhard, who late last year wrapped his multi-year run Stranger Things and has steadily expanded his work across film, directing and music.
—Spin Staff, SPIN, 11 May 2026
Beyond acting and directing, McKidd is also focused on expanding his production company, Ferryman Films, which recently signed a deal with STV Studios.
—Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
Here’s What to ExpectVariety‘s TV Week is this week, bringing together top talent across directing, writing, acting, and producing for a series of intimate, high-impact experiences.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 4 May 2026
The adaptation of Thomas Harris' novel was first set up with Gene Hackman directing and potentially starring.
—Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
Keeping yourself occupied with acting, directing, and different projects?
—Wisdom Iheanyichukwu, Vanity Fair, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
Massot would later make a comeback, co-directing the Led Zeppelin concert film The Song Remains the Same (1976), and, by a strange twist of fate, Harrison would also return to film — as a producer.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 May 2026
But Ahangarani’s skill as a story teller, honed over a three-decade acting career including more than 40 features, and through directing a number of documentary shorts, is clear to see.
—Alissa Simon, Variety, 16 May 2026
Access to platforms was blocked off with bicycle-rack style barricades and roll-down gates as MTA police officers stood sentry, directing people to alternative transportation.
—Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 16 May 2026
This type of finish — on the volley, with the inside of one foot and directing the ball past the other foot — has become an increasingly common sight in football in the age of such technically gifted forwards.
—Simon Johnson, New York Times, 16 May 2026
Rishi Kapoor, who just a few years ago appeared to be a rising star in Miami-Dade County’s development scene, pleaded guilty on Friday to a pair of money-laundering and payroll-tax conspiracy charges stemming from a federal indictment accusing him of directing an $89 million fraud scheme.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026
Beyond acting, McKidd has also become a major creative force behind the camera, directing more than 45 episodes of Grey's Anatomy — including the gripping season 22 finale.
—Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
The Scottish actor, 52, joined Season 5 in 2008 and has remained a regular series star ever since, portraying the complex and good-hearted doctor while also directing 49 episodes, more than anyone else.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Pawel Pawlikowski, who won the directing prize at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival for Cold War, will be in competition with Fatherland, starring Sandra Hüller.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 8 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for directing
Noun
-
Mitchell torched the Pistons’ hopes for a commanding series lead while tying a postseason record with 39 second-half points.—
Hunter Patterson,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
-
Cole, a contractor who specializes in building restaurants, is the Lexington Minute Men's captain commanding.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
Pair this with leather sandals and just the right bangle for channeling Italian style.—
Nneya Richards,
Travel + Leisure,
11 May 2026
-
Sarah Pidgeon, the actress who portrayed Bessette Kennedy in the show, has also been channeling the icon’s style.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
Cosyland is instructing consumers to contact the company for repair parts, which include protective nets, stabilizing feet and installation instructions.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
-
On Thursday, Hoskin’s office sent out a news release instructing local election authorities across the state to continue election preparation activities, like candidate filing and ballot programming, based on the congressional districts established under the gerrymandered map.—
Jenna Ebbers,
Kansas City Star,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Rebecca Cliffe of the Sloth Conservation Foundation and Sam Trull of the Sloth Institute, organizations based in Costa Rica, arrived in Central Florida last week to speak with state and local authorities and zoo officials about the matter, culminating in FWC ordering the temporary suspension.—
Cristóbal Reyes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 May 2026
-
In September 1960, Fidel Castro’s government published a decree ordering the confiscation of all of it without compensation.—
Nora Gámez Torres,
Miami Herald,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Griswold's office is responsible for supervising Colorado's elections and maintaining the statewide file of voter registrations.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA Today,
16 May 2026
-
Leaders increasingly must learn how to orchestrate systems rather than simply manage processes—from supervising individual workflows to coordinating intelligent networks, and from controlling static operations to adapting continuously evolving environments.—
Mira Tzur,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
The team is aiming for a January 2027 start.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
16 May 2026
-
Iceland’s official eclipse site says 13 cruise ships are expected around Iceland for the event, with vessels aiming to maximize totality and retain the flexibility to adjust position for clearer skies.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
There are a few guiding principles for us.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
15 May 2026
-
Marmion succeeds Rick Baker, who retired after guiding the CBAA for 38 years.—
Sportico Staff,
Sportico.com,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
According to those close to the family, József was extremely controlling and would often make terrifying threats.—
Maddie Garfinkle,
PEOPLE,
18 Apr. 2026
-
In girl friend groups, one of the girls is a bit more controlling, a bit more sassy, and a bit more precocious than the other ones.—
Max Gao,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Directing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directing. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
