instruction
12 synonyms and 0 antonyms for instruction, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A statement telling someone what to do, or a set of such statements.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use instruction
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Frequently asked questions
What does “instruction” mean?
The word “instruction” means a statement telling someone what to do, or a set of such statements. In plain terms, either a directive telling you what to do, or the teaching process itself.
How do you pronounce “instruction”?
“Instruction” is pronounced ihn-STRUHK-shuhn (/ɪnˈstɹʌkʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “instruction” in a sentence?
Here is “instruction” used in a sentence: “Read the instructions before assembling the shelf.”
What is another word for “instruction”?
Words with a similar meaning to “instruction” include advice, counsel, education, indoctrination, information and teaching.
What part of speech is “instruction”?
“Instruction” is a noun.
Is “instruction” a common word?
“Instruction” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “instruction” have?
“Instruction” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a statement telling someone what to do, or a set of such statements.
What is the difference between "instruction" and "instructions"?
In the singular, "instruction" often refers to teaching or guidance in general, as in "driving instruction." The plural "instructions" usually names a specific set of steps telling someone how to do something, such as the instructions printed on a package.
What is the difference between "instruction" and "direction"?
Both involve telling someone what to do, but "instruction" tends to be more detailed and teaching-oriented, explaining how something should be done. "Direction" often points someone toward a goal or route, as when you ask for directions to a place.
When should you use "instruction" instead of "order"?
An "instruction" tells someone what to do and often how to do it, and it can carry a teaching purpose. An "order" is a firmer command that expects obedience, usually from someone in authority, and does not normally include an explanation.
What prepositions are commonly used with "instruction"?
"Instruction" is often followed by "in" when it refers to teaching a subject, as in "instruction in mathematics." It also pairs with "on" or "for" when giving guidance, as in "instructions on how to apply" or "instructions for use."