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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
The vibrant music video was directed by Fernando Lugo in Tijuana, Mexico.
—Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 12 Sep. 2025
Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2025
Until now, scientists typically converted a spin current into an electrical signal to detect it, a process that obscures direct spin information.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
Laura Dannen Redman, AFAR Media, 16 July 2025
Those eager to see a gol olimpico — a goal scored direct from a corner — at this tournament will have to wait a little longer.
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for direct
Verb
Wrestlepalooza will be the first WWE premium live event to air exclusively on ESPN's new direct-to-consumer streaming service.
—Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
The vibrant music video was directed by Fernando Lugo in Tijuana, Mexico.
—Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Keep them tightly sealed and away from direct light or heat sources to keep their flavor at its peak.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2025
Until now, scientists typically converted a spin current into an electrical signal to detect it, a process that obscures direct spin information.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
Adverb
United now flies direct from San Francisco to the capital city, San José.
—Laura Dannen Redman, AFAR Media, 16 July 2025
Those eager to see a gol olimpico — a goal scored direct from a corner — at this tournament will have to wait a little longer.
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for direct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for direct
Verb
-
Secondary markets buy what the primary market won’t take, then channel it into ingredients for buyers and processors where appearance doesn’t matter, without sacrificing taste or quality.—
Ivanka Trump,
Fortune,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Donors can support nonprofits over the long term while also channeling resources to startups addressing the world’s toughest problems.—
Geri Stengel,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The next step can be ordering imaging of your liver like an ultrasound or CT to look for evidence of abnormalities like fat accumulation in your liver.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The organization, a private nonprofit governing and promoting school sports events in the state, is not a defendant in the suit, but was ordered to provide extensive information in a 23-point list of requests included in the subpoena.—
Samantha Riedel,
Them.,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The letter requested an extension of the discovery deadline to accommodate Swift’s schedule.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The band has requested that a judge ensure that all marketing materials associated with the allegedly infringing products be recalled and removed.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Four university police officers supervised the event, setting up what appeared to be a sort of perimeter surrounding the group.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
12 Sep. 2025
-
In this photo, mama, who liked posing for the camera, supervises her litter of kittens.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Breeze Basketball Club and Hive Basketball Club will add 12 players to rosters, while six additional athletes will enter a season-long development pool aimed at strengthening depth and competitiveness.—
Roberta F. Rodrigues,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
In order to embolden and support his organization, bin Laden often videotaped himself with messages aimed at his target audience, established training centers in Afghanistan, had an expansive funding network that included wealthy individuals, couriers, mosques and other complex ways to raise funds.—
Richard Frankel,
ABC News,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Other patrons saw us with cell phones — an immense luxury at the time — and steered clear of us.—
Martin Suarez,
Rolling Stone,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Putting structures in place keeps emotions from steering decisions off course.—
Bruce Helmer,
Twin Cities,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Last week, Reuters reported that Pulte’s own father and stepmother had declared two homes in two different states as their primary residence, prompting a town in Michigan to remove a tax exemption for their home there and charge the couple for back taxes.—
Chris Prentice,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
-
But today, technology was not his primary concern.—
Elie Ofek,
Harvard Business Review,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Prince Harry and his father, King Charles III, have reunited amid the royal family's estrangement from the outspoken prince.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Lucy Liu has been quite outspoken in recent years, calling out the unjust treatment of women and the paucity of roles for non-white actors in Hollywood, and advocating for the rights of children through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), among other relevant topics.—
Brett Berk,
Robb Report,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Direct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direct. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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