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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of direct
Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2025
In the first two games, the Blues directed a total of 90 shots at the net, which includes ones blocked by the Jets and ones that missed.
—Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
This restriction was intended to preserve the traditional prominence of amateur football by minimizing direct competition from the NFL during these times.
—Richard Deitsch, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Feb. 2025
Mars’ shift direct in Cancer on February 23 brings clarity to your partnerships, whether romantic or professional.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, refinery29.com, 28 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for direct
Verb
Jorma Taccone is directing the remake, which stars Juliette Lewis, Timothy Olyphant, Jason Segel, and Samara Weaving.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2025
In the first two games, the Blues directed a total of 90 shots at the net, which includes ones blocked by the Jets and ones that missed.
—Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said Woodside’s decision to develop its first LNG project in the U.S. was the biggest single foreign direct Invesment in his State’s history.
—Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
This restriction was intended to preserve the traditional prominence of amateur football by minimizing direct competition from the NFL during these times.
—Richard Deitsch, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Adverb
More importantly, with Mars stationing direct on Feb. 23, expect an increase in momentum, specifically in your relationships, collaborations and contractual agreements.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Feb. 2025
Mars’ shift direct in Cancer on February 23 brings clarity to your partnerships, whether romantic or professional.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, refinery29.com, 28 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for direct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for direct
Verb
-
His fourth-round projection stems from the ability to channel his athletic gifts into production.—
Ben Standig,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
-
The latest Better Homes & Gardens collection at Walmart channels the breezy, Mediterranean look of Anthropologie's new dishware line—but with prices starting at just $3.—
Lauren Thomann,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Just days ago, a federal judge ordered Ozturk be transferred back to a detention facility in Vermont.—
Lauren Irwin,
The Hill,
23 Apr. 2025
-
That same year, however, U.S. troops in Syria and neighboring Iraq increasingly clashed with local militias aligned with Iran, escalating to the point of Trump ordering the killing of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force chief Major General Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad in 2020.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Senate Bill 8, filed by Republicans and passed by the Texas' Senate on April 1, would require sheriffs in counties with a population of over 100,000, to request a 287(g) agreement with ICE.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 May 2025
-
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Walt Ekard Endowed Scholarship at SDSU’s School of Public Affairs to help students pursuing public service.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
But, because the government would need time to craft new rules and infrastructure, the court would temporarily supervise the detention of minors.—
Jack Herrera,
New Yorker,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Holmes argues the church failed to supervise Lorch and, worse yet, retained him, thus enabling Lorch to allegedly inflict even more harms.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
After several years of blockbuster growth in the remodeling and design business, the White House’s erratic rollout of tariffs aimed at reshaping global trade is already taking a toll.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Instead of jail time, Ballot Measure 110 aimed to expand addiction treatment services in a state that ranked last in such offerings nationwide, through hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue redirected from a cannabis tax and savings resulting from reductions in arrests and incarceration.—
Jason Motlagh,
Rolling Stone,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Arniel steered the Jets to their first Presidents’ Trophy, energizing Winnipeg’s veterans after several years of postseason disappointment.—
Rob Rossi,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
-
After Shaver’s death in 1958, department store executives continued to steer the gala, but attendance and revenue waned.—
Elizabeth Castaldo Lundén,
The Conversation,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Lawmakers passed a new law this year that will make firing squads the state's primary method of execution, starting next year.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Beyond her pioneering achievements behind the wheel, Levitt was also an inventor, a royal driving instructor, a suffragette and an outspoken writer.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
23 Apr. 2025
-
The actor has long been an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and particularly transgender women.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Direct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direct. Accessed 8 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share