instructions vs instruction manual

instructions and instruction manual both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
instructions	Yes	No	No	No
instruction manual	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, instructions and instruction manual are synonyms defined as:

instructions and instruction manual: a manual usually accompanying a technical device and explaining how to install or operate it

Other synonyms of instructions include book of instructions, operating instructions.

instructions (noun)	instruction manual (noun)
a manual usually accompanying a technical device and explaining how to install or operate it	a manual usually accompanying a technical device and explaining how to install or operate it