1
as in to teach
to cause to acquire knowledge or skill in some field
spent his military career instructing young pilots
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to inform
to give information to
instructed everyone in the use of the new telephone system
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to tell
to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority
the proctors instructed everyone to put their pencils down and hand in their tests
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instruct
Not long after, members of Congress were instructed to leave as well.
—
Dick Durbin,
Chicago Tribune,
28 June 2026
Feed summer vegetable plantings monthly or use a slow-release fertilizer as instructed.
—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 June 2026
After a few minutes the teen stopped and the officer instructed him to get off the bike.
—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2026
Meanwhile, North Korean soldiers who survived their encounters with Ukrainian drone warfare while fighting on Russia’s side have already been rotating back home to instruct the North Korean military.
—
Jeremy Hsu,
ArsTechnica,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for instruct
Dick Durbin,
Chicago Tribune,
28 June 2026
Feed summer vegetable plantings monthly or use a slow-release fertilizer as instructed.
—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 June 2026
After a few minutes the teen stopped and the officer instructed him to get off the bike.
—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2026
Meanwhile, North Korean soldiers who survived their encounters with Ukrainian drone warfare while fighting on Russia’s side have already been rotating back home to instruct the North Korean military.
—
Jeremy Hsu,
ArsTechnica,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for instruct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instruct
Verb
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The state’s Holocaust Education Bill, passed in 1994, requires every school district to teach the Holocaust with the explicit aim of building tolerance, nurturing democratic values, and confronting what indifference produces.
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Lyons taught in the island elementary school for more than 20 years, until there were no more students to teach.
Verb
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There appears to be no clear association between these two lists, although the contaminant list is supposed to inform the monitoring list.
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Marcia Kimpton's hotel tips Kimpton’s upbringing informed her approach to selecting hotels.
Verb
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During Murdaugh’s first status hearing on Monday, June 29, Judge Debra McCaslin did not rule on the DNA evidence, telling defense attorneys to clarify if the sample was viable.
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My parents tell stories about me sleeping through loud construction, alarms, and heavy knocks on my bedroom door.
Verb
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Its young people are increasingly educated and ambitious but many are frustrated over fierce competition for limited jobs.
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During the two decades of American occupation, Afghanistan experienced a sort of peace, one in which women could be educated, work as professionals, and even serve in the military.
Verb
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Agriculture regulators advise home gardeners to either consume homegrown produce on site or not move it at all from the property to prevent the spread of the fly to nearby regions.
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Republicans have repeatedly echoed the concerns of the Legislative Analyst’s Office — which advises the Legislature on fiscal matters — about the state’s spending.
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The spacecraft will then be ordered to slowly approach and survey Swift before grabbing the observatory with its robotic arms and slowly raising the orbit to nearly 370 miles.
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Larger versions serving 10 to 12 guests can also be ordered for private celebrations.
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Denver’s brass was asked about those comments on Wednesday, and Wallace responded by sharing some thoughts on the team’s internal and external goals.
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The firms asked the judge to dismiss the case Wednesday, arguing Uber had failed to prove fraud.
Verb
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During the first game on Thursday, the Rangers held a commanding 6-0 lead after just three innings, thanks to home runs from Joc Pederson, Langford and Jake Burger.
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Kelly Mason commands Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with a deft hand, both at her namesake Mason Vineyards and Domaine Queylus.
Cite this Entry
“Instruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instruct. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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