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
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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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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
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Recent Examples of direct
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 31 Oct. 2025
Prior to that, Jack Clayton directed Robert Redford in a 1974 version for Paramount, written by Francis Ford Coppola.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2025
Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2025
High death toll in Haiti The highest death toll so far has been reported in Haiti, where the hurricane did not make direct landfall but caused significant damage and at least 23 deaths due to severe flooding and landslides.
—Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 30 Sep. 2025
This also means that users could opt to stream direct to wireless speakers, bypassing the conventional hi-fi amp altogether.
—New Atlas, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for direct
Verb
Over the past three years, the division has delivered 11 direct-to-streaming movies for Amazon Prime, Netflix and Max in Mexico.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 31 Oct. 2025
Prior to that, Jack Clayton directed Robert Redford in a 1974 version for Paramount, written by Francis Ford Coppola.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Every guest has direct access to our expedition team, whether that’s during a landing, on the bridge, or over a cup of coffee.
—Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2025
High death toll in Haiti The highest death toll so far has been reported in Haiti, where the hurricane did not make direct landfall but caused significant damage and at least 23 deaths due to severe flooding and landslides.
—Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
Adverb
Pluto shifting direct in Aquarius on October 13 reactivates your sector of career, legacy, and public recognition.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 30 Sep. 2025
This also means that users could opt to stream direct to wireless speakers, bypassing the conventional hi-fi amp altogether.
—New Atlas, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for direct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for direct
Verb
-
Dončić channeled his competitive rage against the team that knocked him out of the playoffs a season ago.—
Dan Woike,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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Now JetBlue passengers can even watch Banks explain how to channel your inner mixologist, no cocktail shaker required, in a funny new video streaming on the plane.—
Meredith Lepore,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Meyer ordered Evans to certify the ballot measure for the 2024 and 2026 general elections.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Additional a la carte items are available to add on or order separately.—
Elaine Rewolinski,
jsonline.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Morelli is a husband and father with a 9-year-old daughter and the sole caretaker of his 79-year-old mother, per the memo from Joslin, who requested a sentence of 27-33 months.—
Chris Spargo,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
-
The Star-Telegram has filed a public records request with police for body- and dash-camera video from the incident, but has not received a response.—
Kamal Morgan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Working within restricted space, Lanthimos felt the need to go big with the filmmaking, both with supervising sound editor/re-recording mixer Johnnie Burn’s sound design and composer Jerskin Fendrix’s music, which is by far the biggest score in the score-adverse director’s career.—
Chris O'Falt,
IndieWire,
31 Oct. 2025
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Tesla's Mad Max Mode is a driving profile that Tesla owners can access using the company's most recent Full Self-Driving (FSD) supervised software.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The culprit for the rising electricity prices, according to Republicans, including Earle-Sears, is renewable energy and clean energy policies, such as the Virginia Clean Economy Act, which aims to transition the state’s electric grid to 100% clean energy by 2050.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
29 Oct. 2025
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Earlier this month, Shark Beauty launched its handheld FacialPro Glow tool, which aims to replicate the effects of a Hydrafacial and retails for $399 at Sephora.—
Noor Lobad,
Footwear News,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
After his 21 goals had helped steer John Mousinho’s side to the League One title the previous season, Bishop reported for pre-season in high spirits and in peak physical shape ahead of his first campaign in the Championship.—
Tom Burrows,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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Investors ought to steer clear of Beyond Meat due to weakening consumer demand for alternative meat products, analysts from Mizuho said after the stock rocketed higher earlier this week.—
Liz Napolitano,
CNBC,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Two guest bedrooms can be found downstairs, while four more upstairs bedrooms include a secluded primary retreat that comes with a fireplace, a dressing room, and dual baths.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
25 Oct. 2025
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This corner room offered the perfect view to keep watch over Main Street and the primary north-south international highway.—
Ella Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Dynevor, meanwhile, finds texture in a villainous role that rightly reminds us how petty personal grievances (on campus, no less) may well be the driving force behind the most outspoken political provocateurs.—
Manuel Betancourt,
Variety,
29 Oct. 2025
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Airbnb’s cofounder and CEO Brian Chesky is one the most outspoken leaders in the business world waving the red flag on loneliness.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Direct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direct. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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