INSTRUCTIONS Synonyms: 37 Similar and Opposite Words

instructions

noun

plural of instruction

as in directions

a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned needed an administrative assistant who was good at following instructions

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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 instructions All fungicides should be used cautiously and according to the label instructions. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026 Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have uncovered a new processor attack that can bypass defenses in Intel and AMD chips by exploiting a security gap lasting only a handful of instructions. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026 John’s hacking skills prove useful, as does the T-800’s extensive firepower—although per John’s instructions, there are zero human fatalities. — ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026 But make sure to check the notice and form instructions first, since Form 843 may not be required for every penalty request. — Jamela Adam, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 State media has focused on stories of rescuers working to reach the disaster site or reporting on instructions from top leaders. — Niranjan Shrestha, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 In old common law, a testament contained a person’s instructions about how personal property was to be disbursed, while directions about real estate were contained in a will. — Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Automatic tips added without telling customers, rodents marking their territory everywhere and restaurant staff ignoring basic food safety instructions highlight a fat list of South Florida restaurants that failed inspection. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 The foundation established by Robert Indiana to preserve his legacy is selling the artist’s longtime home on the Maine island of Vinalhaven, despite instructions in his will that the property be transformed into an art space open to the public. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instructions

Noun

If people are working from different assumptions, stop and clarify the system before everyone charges off in opposite directions.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 Sep. 2026
On an infinite graph — an abstraction where the graph extends forever in all directions — one or several infinite seas will dominate.

— Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of directions

Noun

Although the company didn’t provide a detailed breakdown of orders, the tweet offers a glimpse into customer support volume.

— Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026
Within the system, autonomous mobile robots called SymBots retrieve totes holding goods from storage before bringing them to a pick station where an operator can fulfill multiple orders simultaneously.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of orders

Noun

The president’s orders and edicts have no basis in reality, are nonsensical and are making our nation significantly less safe.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
Those who oppose the Mexican Mafia, or fail to follow the edicts of the gang’s leaders, are often targeted for beatings or even death.

— Sean Emery, Oc Register, 22 July 2026

Definition of edicts

Noun

The mayor and other commissioners are chosen by voters and can direct the city manager through resolutions and other directives to take actions for the city.

— Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026
As they’ve mercifully been decreased from six to four to three over the last 50 years, so have the prime directives.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of directives

Noun

Wilde’s nine buttercream commandments show home bakers how to create visually striking, deeply personal cakes.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
After the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem, interpreters understood Temple service broadly in terms of study, prayer, and upholding the commandments.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026

Definition of commandments

Noun

Any new injunctions issued by Talwani will likely be appealed, said Moylan.

— Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 30 Aug. 2026
The agency initially said the rule would not apply to the midterm election unless injunctions from lower courts were lifted; those were both lifted this week.

— Caitlin Babcock, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of injunctions

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instructional

instructions

instructive

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“Instructions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instructions. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of instructions

noun

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