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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in linear
free from irregularities or digressions in course
this road provides the most direct route to your destination
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in straight
in a direct line or course
flew direct to the coast
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of direct
Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
But after the Supreme Court set the historical tradition test in its 2022 decision known as Bruen, the justices directed the appeals court to reconsider its ruling.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 3 June 2025
Forrester, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Results from this simple blood test can narrow down possibilities, and direct people towards a PET scan for conclusive diagnosis more quickly.
—Louise Jacobsen Fisher, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 June 2025
Annie Palmer, CNBC, 30 Apr. 2025
Your celestial ruler, Mercury, will retrograde back into Pisces (before going direct on April 7) that same day, making communication between you and others all the more confusing — misunderstandings are bound to arise, so be patient.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for direct
Verb
Currently, the state attorney general has directed local law enforcement agencies not to assist federal authorities in civil immigration enforcement.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
But after the Supreme Court set the historical tradition test in its 2022 decision known as Bruen, the justices directed the appeals court to reconsider its ruling.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 3 June 2025
Adjective
Risk managers must not only factor in the impact of direct tariffs on goods and supply chains but must also model drops in services revenue.
—Forrester, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Results from this simple blood test can narrow down possibilities, and direct people towards a PET scan for conclusive diagnosis more quickly.
—Louise Jacobsen Fisher, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 June 2025
Adverb
Products on Haul cost $20 or less and many of them are sold direct from China using the de minimis trade exemption.
—Annie Palmer, CNBC, 30 Apr. 2025
Your celestial ruler, Mercury, will retrograde back into Pisces (before going direct on April 7) that same day, making communication between you and others all the more confusing — misunderstandings are bound to arise, so be patient.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for direct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for direct
Verb
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Allow your ideas and insights to be channeled into tangible aspects of your life.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 June 2025
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There were some people who would rather that someone was channeling their angst and their frustration and venting it on the web.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Verb
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Williams ordered Attorney General Uthmeier and other defendants to promptly notify police agencies.—
Hannah Critchfield,
Sun Sentinel,
29 May 2025
-
Alongside the 12-year sentence, U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips ordered Zuberi pay close to $16 million in restitution and a nearly $2 million fine.—
Tara Suter,
The Hill,
29 May 2025
Verb
-
Officials discussed requesting state and county funding for future recreation opportunities.—
Tammy Murga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 June 2025
-
Banerjee did not respond to emails requesting comment from The Bee.—
Stephen Hobbs,
Sacbee.com,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Gray supervised a special housing unit at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, prosecutors said.—
Sara Schilling,
Sacbee.com,
28 May 2025
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There’s similar apprehension about the new Judicial Disciplinary Tribunal that’s meant to supervise judges in office.—
Michael Rios,
CNN Money,
28 May 2025
Verb
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Phonics could solve California’s reading crisis After decades of debate over how to teach reading amid stubbornly low test scores, a new bill aims to use phonics to solve the state’s literacy crisis.—
Kevinisha Walker,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2025
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Miller is aiming at something deeper and more elusive.—
Hilton Als,
New Yorker,
2 June 2025
Verb
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Otherwise, Parkinson has steered clear of borrowing players from elsewhere, focusing instead on permanent signings.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
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Launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2016, the plan steers the Kingdom from reliance on oil to become a global leader in such sectors as technology, entertainment and tourism.—
R. Daniel Foster,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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Furthermore, Newmont has been selling non-core assets, generating substantial proceeds to bolster its primary operations and financial standing.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
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The gluteus medius muscle, a smaller buttock muscle located underneath the gluteus maximus, is the primary muscle supporting the pelvis. 4.—
Aubrey Bailey,
Verywell Health,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, an outspoken critic of the city’s homeless programs, also has been a longtime supporter of terminating the emergency.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2025
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For legendary director and outspoken Democratic donor Rob Reiner, choosing sides between Bruce Springsteen and Donald Trump in their current war of words didn’t require much deliberation.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Direct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direct. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
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