1
as in instruction
a statement of what to do that must be obeyed by those concerned
we were given very specific directions for the first part of the exam
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in management
the act or activity of looking after and making decisions about something
working under the close direction of the engineering supervisor
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
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
4
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
Climate goals are off target Delegates to COP30 are facing a world that, by many climate measures, is going in the wrong direction.
—
Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 9 Nov. 2025
More broadly, 61% of survey respondents said the country was moving in the wrong direction, marking a 7-point increase since the pollsters last asked the question in March.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
On a separate note, if a major goal that was in reach suddenly spirals off into a new direction, do your best to trust the process.
—Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025
Even before his left elbow went in a direction no elbows should venture, Jayden Daniels’ sophomore NFL season was a big letdown.
—Kevin Cusick, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for direction
Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 9 Nov. 2025
More broadly, 61% of survey respondents said the country was moving in the wrong direction, marking a 7-point increase since the pollsters last asked the question in March.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
On a separate note, if a major goal that was in reach suddenly spirals off into a new direction, do your best to trust the process.
—Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025
Even before his left elbow went in a direction no elbows should venture, Jayden Daniels’ sophomore NFL season was a big letdown.
—Kevin Cusick, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for direction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for direction
Noun
-
Most bulbs should be planted pointy side up because the stem and leaves emerge from this end, but check the label for specific instructions.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Instead, customers will have to follow a set of instructions to claim the platform's financial promise.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Although timber remains the primary long-term commercial value, growing improved varieties for both nuts and timber is considered potentially highly profitable, provided there is a long-term perspective and proper tree management.—
Randy Moll,
Arkansas Online,
11 Nov. 2025
-
The PolyU team urges the development of sustainable alternatives and effective lead management or recycling systems to ensure the technology’s long-term viability.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Years later the compass was created to help direct philanthropists, investors, officials and nonprofits to determine the most effective way to improve access and opportunity.—
Desiree Mathurin,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Then, in the thirteenth century, refinements to an ancient technology, the compass, led to its widespread adoption by sailors.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
These trends will have immediate electoral consequences.—
Tom Rogers,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Other Indian cities with GCCs are seeing similar trends.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The company was also working with Transport for London on a double-decker electric bus, but the agency has yet to place an order.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Cureate does not warehouse or distribute food products, the company buys purchases the food order and the farmer delivers it to the customer, Bryden said.—
Cristina LaRue,
Arkansas Online,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
After being convicted of tampering with an electronic monitoring device in 2021, Klingler was sentenced to 8 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections and 12 months of post-release supervision.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Casas, who lives in Miami in the offseason, has moved across the state to Fort Myers to continue his rehab under team supervision at the team’s JetBlue Park facilities.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The tides are high, resulting in cautious behavior.—
Lisa Stardust,
Refinery29,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The swell is expected to drop on Saturday, and the tides are expected to ease through the weekend.—
Laylan Connelly,
Oc Register,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Owners who defy this edict will be tied down and forced to watch their machines being destroyed during a demolition derby that will be free for the public to watch.—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Oc Register,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Of course, Nix never has to worry about the pain his defensive teammates can inflict, protected in practice by the strict don’t-touch-the-QB edict.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Direction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direction. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share