direct 1 of 3

verb

də-ˈrekt How to pronounce direct (audio)
Definition of directnext
1
as in to channel
to cause to move to a central point or along a restricted pathway the aqueduct directs the water into an artificial lake

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to order
to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority our tour guide directed us to wait in front of the building until she could rejoin us

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to request
to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority the caretaker directed that all of the windows be closed before we left

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to supervise
to look after and make decisions about the music teacher directs both the student orchestra and the marching band

Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in to aim
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal we quickly directed our attention toward the noise coming from the rear

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to steer
to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front the guide directed the tour through the museum with commendable efficiency and expertise

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

direct

2 of 3

adjective

1
as in primary
done or working without something else coming in between a zoologist whose works are based entirely on her direct observation of animals in the wild the virus was the direct cause of the disease

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2
as in outspoken
free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions our coach is very direct, never hesitating for a moment to tell a player whenever he isn't performing up to snuff

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in straightforward
going straight to the point clearly and firmly clear and direct instructions that left no room for misinterpretation

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4
as in linear
free from irregularities or digressions in course this road provides the most direct route to your destination

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direct

3 of 3

adverb

as in straight
in a direct line or course flew direct to the coast

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb direct contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of direct are bid, charge, command, enjoin, instruct, and order. While all these words mean "to issue orders," direct and instruct both connote expectation of obedience and usually concern specific points of procedure or method, instruct sometimes implying greater explicitness or formality.

directed her assistant to hold all calls
the judge instructed the jury to ignore the remark

When would bid be a good substitute for direct?

The synonyms bid and direct are sometimes interchangeable, but bid suggests giving orders peremptorily (as to children or servants).

she bade him be seated

How do charge and enjoin relate to one another, in the sense of direct?

Charge adds to enjoin an implication of imposing as a duty or responsibility.

charged by the President with a secret mission

How are the words command and order related as synonyms of direct?

Both command and order imply authority and usually some degree of formality and impersonality; command stresses official exercise of authority.

a general commanding troops

When might enjoin be a better fit than direct?

While the synonyms enjoin and direct are close in meaning, enjoin implies giving an order or direction authoritatively and urgently and often with admonition or solicitude.

a sign enjoining patrons to be quiet

When is it sensible to use order instead of direct?

While in some cases nearly identical to direct, order may suggest peremptory or arbitrary exercise.

ordered his employees about like slaves

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 direct
Verb
The film, directed by Cody Jarrett and in the works since 2017, is narrated by Margaret Cho and includes interviews with John Waters, Dita Von Teese, Pamela Des Barres, Ted V. Mikels, original FPKK and Russ Meyer cast members and Satana’s two daughters. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 21 July 2025 Authentic Indian Collaboration, Not Cultural Appropriation Shot in Mumbai and creatively directed by Indiana Vos, Songs of Siren's latest campaign serves as a vibrant love letter to India's rich textile traditions. —Pooja Shah, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Adjective
Still, the collaboration with Redwood Materials to deploy energy storage systems does not put it in direct competition with its joint venture partner. —Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 22 July 2025 It's been said that Princess Anne inherited much of her father's direct disposition, and the late Duke of Edinburgh retired from public life in August 2017, just a few weeks after his 96th birthday. —Janine Henni, People.com, 21 July 2025
Adverb
The fire is now 75% contained and crews continue to make good progress going direct on the fires edge. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2025 Eligible taxpayers will receive a letter notifying them of the payment, and the payments will either be automatically direct deposited or sent by paper check. —Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for direct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for direct
  1. channel
  2. order
  3. request
  4. supervise
  5. aim
  6. steer
  7. primary
  8. outspoken
Verb
  • Where The Money Is Flowing The U.S. National Science Foundation’s new Regional Innovation Engines channel up to $160 million over ten years into university–industry coalitions tackling AI grand challenges.
    — Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • Thousands of protesters channel a civil rights icon in anti-Trump protests.
    — Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 18 July 2025
Definition of channel
Verb
  • At his arraignment Sunday night at Brooklyn Criminal Court, he was ordered held on bail of $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond.
    — Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 15 July 2025
  • Fans can order custom looks — and tiny accessories to match — at their local David's Bridal store by making an appointment with the alterations team, according to a press release.
    — Erin Clack, People.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of order
Verb
  • Law enforcement determined the child is not a runaway, and a custody dispute is not the sole reason for requesting an activation.
    — Wren Smetana, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
  • Lawyers will also be able to object to the unsealing of filings and request redactions as documents are considered in tranches, newest to oldest, the judge added.
    — Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
Definition of request
Verb
  • Dogs should be supervised when chewing on a bone, and larger breeds should get large ones to prevent swallowing; there are also plenty of chew toys that have a similar texture to bones, which could be a good alternative.
    — Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • But for now, corrections employees are supervising a rising number of prisoners.
    — Mario Koran, jsonline.com, 12 July 2025
Definition of supervise
Verb
  • Israel and Hamas are engaged in indirect talks in Doha aimed at reaching a 60-day truce and hostage deal, although there has been no sign of breakthrough.
    — Nidal al-Mughrabi, USA Today, 20 July 2025
  • The Arizona Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
    — Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 19 July 2025
Definition of aim
Verb
  • Others avoid red wines to steer clear of hangover-inducing tannins.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 July 2025
  • Musk has worried in the past about the influence of activist investors or proxy advisory firms steering Tesla down the wrong long-term path at the expense of short-term pressures.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 24 July 2025
Definition of steer
Adjective
  • No, corn sweat is not the primary cause behind the heat wave Cincinnati is experiencing this week.
    — Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 24 July 2025
  • Democrat Adelita Grijalva handily won Arizona's July 15 special primary election, securing a blowout victory that sets her up to succeed her father, the long-serving Rep. Raúl Grijalva, in Congress.
    — Laura Gersony, AZCentral.com, 23 July 2025
Definition of primary
Adjective
  • Maher is often outspoken about normalizing all body types.
    — Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • Several of Sanchez's teammates, specifically Trea Turner, Nick Castellanos and JT Realmuto were very outspoken about the decision to add Misiorowski over Sanchez.
    — Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Definition of outspoken

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Cite this Entry

“Direct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direct. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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