Synonyms for

Instruct

Verb / ˌɪˈnstrʌkt / Another word for instruct — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to teach or give knowledge or directions

Synonyms & similar words

apprise apprize learn teach teach educate train coach guide direct inform enlighten teach show demonstrate tell advise instruct impart drill school tutor lecture enlighten

Synonyms by register

Formal

direct advise teach educate inform

Informal

tell show guide coach

Literary

apprise enlighten

Antonyms

mislead confuse discourage hinder obstruct misinform

Common collocations

  • instruct someone to
  • instruct the jury
  • instruct the class
  • instruct a lawyer
  • instruct in a subject
  • instruct on how to
  • instruct the students

Word family

noun instruction
verb instruct
adjective instructive
adverb instructively

Usage note

Often used in formal contexts like legal or educational settings. Be mindful of the preposition used; it's typically 'instruct someone to do something' or 'instruct someone in a subject'.

Example sentences

  1. Instruct me on how to make a paper airplane.
  2. The coach will instruct the team on how to run faster.
  3. The doctor will instruct you on how to take your medicine.
  4. My dad will instruct me on how to fix my bike.
  5. The teacher will instruct the class on how to solve math problems.

Quotes

  • Education consists mainly of what we have unlearned. - Mark Twain
  • Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. - Malcolm X
  • The aim of education is the knowledge not of facts but of values. - William S. Burroughs

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