directs
Calls the shots
Directs is the third-person singular form of direct, a verb with meanings that cluster around guiding, controlling, or pointing toward a destination.
A manager directs employees, a filmmaker directs a movie, and a sign directs traffic.
You can direct someone's attention to something or direct a remark at someone.
She directs the choir on Tuesday evenings.
The word implies authority or intentional guidance—when you direct, you're not merely suggesting but actively steering toward an outcome.
Goes in front
- steersControls direction of travel
- guidesThose who show directions
- mentorsExperienced advisers to learners
- coachesThose who instruct athletes
advises · counsels · orients · shepherds · ushers · conducts · shows · points
Creates or yields
- stagesDistinct periods or platforms
- shootsFires or photographs
- choreographsDesigns coordinated movement sequences
- orchestratesDirects complex coordination
blocks · films · supervises · casts · scripts · scenes · cameras · actors
Controls direction of travel
- pilotsThose who fly aircraft
- navigatesDirects movement toward destination
- maneuversPlanned strategic movements
- coursesAcademic subjects or meal stages
charts · drives · controls · handles · captains · skippers · veers · guides
leads
Goes in front
- steersControls direction of travel
- guidesThose who show directions
- mentorsExperienced advisers to learners
coaches · advises · counsels · orients · shepherds · ushers · conducts · shows · points · instructs
produces
Creates or yields
- stagesDistinct periods or platforms
- shootsFires or photographs
- choreographsDesigns coordinated movement sequences
orchestrates · blocks · films · supervises · casts · scripts · scenes · cameras · actors · auteurs
steers
Controls direction of travel
- pilotsThose who fly aircraft
- navigatesDirects movement toward destination
- maneuversPlanned strategic movements
courses · charts · drives · controls · handles · captains · skippers · veers · guides · routes
orders
Instructions to obey
- instructsImparts knowledge or orders
- dictatesGives authoritative commands
- mandatesAuthoritative commands or requirements
decrees · prescribes · demands · authorizes · charges · requires · bids · enjoins · summons · dispatches
points
Units of tally
levels · orients · angles · positions · aligns · fixes · addresses · turns · vectors · beams
directsfollows
Comes after another
obeys · submits · complies · defers · takes orders
directsmisdirects
Sends the wrong way
misguides · misleads · mismanages · leads astray · confuses
directsdiverts
Turns aside from course
deflects · distracts · averts · turns away · draws away
- funeral directorsThose who arrange burials
- sense of directionSpatial navigation instinct
- direct sunlightUnobstructed solar rays
- direct hitStrike exactly on target
- director generalHighest-ranking organizational leader
- wrong directionIncorrect path taken
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