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
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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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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
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Recent Examples of direct
Rachel Yang, EW.com, 9 July 2025
Perhaps even more ominously for wind and solar, the order further directs Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to conduct a major, 45-day review to identify any administrative policies under his jurisdiction which provide preferential treatment for wind and solar projects and move to correct them.
—David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Daniel Brillman, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Goldman Sachs economists expect that eventually about 70% of the direct cost of tariffs will be passed onto consumers through higher prices.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 10 July 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
The duo won Emmys for their work on both limited series, with Hanks winning an additional Emmy for directing an episode of Band of Brothers. —R.Y.
The 2000s saw Hanks starring in some of his most crowd-pleasing movies.
—Rachel Yang, EW.com, 9 July 2025
Perhaps even more ominously for wind and solar, the order further directs Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to conduct a major, 45-day review to identify any administrative policies under his jurisdiction which provide preferential treatment for wind and solar projects and move to correct them.
—David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
Automated processes for service eligibility, resource allocation and outcome tracking direct aid to those who need it most, quickly and efficiently.
—Daniel Brillman, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Goldman Sachs economists expect that eventually about 70% of the direct cost of tariffs will be passed onto consumers through higher prices.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 10 July 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
-
Available exclusively to guests staying in the resort’s private villas (already a flex), this new package is all about channeling La Dolce Vita.—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
-
Finish off the look with a chic scarf top and statement earrings to channel your inner Italian screen siren along the Amalfi Coast this summer, and wear them well into cooler weather thanks to the thicker drape.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
Some of those claims were dismissed by a judge in 2024, but the lawsuit was still ordered to move forward; in June, however, Lizzo filed an appeal aimed at shutting it down for good on the grounds that the dancers’ claims clashed with her First Amendment rights.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
1 July 2025
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The company has been ordering fireworks a year in advance, Marietta said.—
Tim Hrenchir,
USA Today,
1 July 2025
Verb
-
The Justice Department also urged the Court to take up the matter and requested the appointment of an outside party to defend the lower court's ruling, given that the department no longer supports it.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
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Not far away, Colt, who requested USA TODAY only use his first name for privacy reasons, was living a similar life.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
30 June 2025
Verb
-
All of it is medically supervised and adjusted throughout the stay.—
Nel-Olivia Waga,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
Each student had a spiritual director, and Prevost chose Sister Lyn Osiek, who also supervised his theological-reflection class.—
Belinda Luscombe,
Time,
1 July 2025
Verb
-
The city aims to partner with an expert nonprofit to manage the shelter, while holding on to it long term.—
Sydney Franklin,
The Enquirer,
8 July 2025
-
Hosted by Centro San Antonio, the event aims to bring the city together in solidarity with families and residents affected by the disaster.—
Robbie Farias,
Austin American Statesman,
8 July 2025
Verb
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Fifth, without patients being steered through insurance networks, direct-to-patient providers must compete for business by offering attractive pricing and high-quality care.—
Ge Bai,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
Both would spend trillions to extend the 2017 tax cuts while steering more money to the military and immigration enforcement.—
Elena Moore,
NPR,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
The second floor has the primary suite, which is large and has a private balcony that overlooks the grounds.—
James Alexander,
Hartford Courant,
29 June 2025
-
Disclosure data shows that more than a dozen lawyers and paralegals with the New York Legal Assistance Group made cash contributions to Mamdani’s campaign ahead of the primary election.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
29 June 2025
Adjective
-
While Trump was weighing the decision to strike Iran's nuclear sites, Vance came to the president's defense after supporters like Tucker Carlson and those in the MAGA base were outspoken against the U.S. getting involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran.—
Hannah Demissie,
ABC News,
5 July 2025
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Most outspoken were the parents of Kaylee Goncalves, who worked this week to inspire supporters to call the judge, the U.S. Department of Justice and Gov. Brad Little’s office to force Kohberger’s capital murder trial to proceed, in pursuit of a possible death sentence.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
3 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Direct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direct. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
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