Definition of directionnext
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as in compass
a guiding or motivating purpose or principle a life that seemed to lack any direction other than the mindless pursuit of empty pleasures

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in trend
a prevailing or general movement or inclination some older people worry about the overall direction that political discourse has taken lately

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 direction Her left knee, the one with the torn ACL, faced out to the left and her right knee, the one built of titanium, pointed in the exact opposite direction. Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026 Either direction, either from the bad guys or to the Guthrie family. ABC News, 8 Feb. 2026 The Democrats were numbingly similar in their agreement with the general direction of the policies the state has been pursuing for two decades or more. Susan Shelley, Oc Register, 8 Feb. 2026 The fork in the road was right there in front of them, one a direction of resetting, one of augmenting. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for direction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for direction
Noun
  • The lack of communication instructions led family members to make video appeals to any abductors in consultation with the FBI, with Savannah Guthrie urging anyone holding her for firm proof her mother was alive.
    Chris Kenning, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
  • How many times after making a mistake does Romero ignore tactical instructions and charge up the pitch in desperation to score a goal or wipe out an opponent?
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Pivotal's quality management system is also certified by SAE International, which sets global aviation safety standards.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Ed Dolshun has over 12 years’ experience in the pest management industry and is currently chief trapping officer and technical director at Catchmaster.
    Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The latter can alternate between a conventional watch face, a chronograph, a compass, and the car’s launch-control indicator.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 9 Feb. 2026
  • That belief is my compass through uncertainty.
    W. Jeff Williams, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • A lot of what’s gone on is just multiple expansion, optimism about a weaker dollar, excitement about consumer spending trends overseas and other ephemeral ideas that haven’t yet become manifest in the companies’ actual results.
    Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The route’s comeback also reflects a broader trend emerging across the airline industry.
    Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But Hadder says the department’s downfall essentially hinged on Sawyer’s order.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The owners followed these orders, according to Breuninger.
    Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Kommersant reported that Alekseyev underwent successful surgery and regained consciousness Saturday but remained under medical supervision.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Private vehicles with the system require driver supervision and are not autonomous.
    Andrea Guzmán, Austin American Statesman, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Like anything with that kind of longevity, tiki’s popularity rises and falls like the tides.
    Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The recent ice buildup and shifting tide likely caused the break, according to Keansburg Mayor George Hoff.
    Christine Sloan, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Covid-19 bred doubt about government edicts and skepticism about science, provoking an existential battle for truth.
    Richard Edelman, Time, 18 Jan. 2026
  • Trump edicts weigh on stocks this week Geopolitical risks have weighed on investor sentiment this week.
    Pia Singh, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Direction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direction. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.

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