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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in straight
in a direct line or course
flew direct to the coast
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of direct
Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 22 May 2025
Set for theatrical release in 2026, Phantom is directed by D-Day founder Lester Hsi (The Bridge Curse, The Bridge Curse: Ritual).
—Sara Merican, Deadline, 22 May 2025
Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
There were some such stories, though—and from the earliest days of his Presidency, journalists consistently demanded more direct access to Biden, who, compared to his recent predecessors, did few formal interviews or press conferences.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 23 Dec. 2024
Eligible taxpayers would have also received a letter notifying them of the payment, and the payments were either automatically direct deposited or sent by paper check.
—Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for direct
Verb
The Scrubs revival has been in the works for several months from the show's original creator, Bill Lawrence, who went on to oversee hit series like Ted Lasso and Shrinking (both of which Braff has directed episodes of) .
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 22 May 2025
Set for theatrical release in 2026, Phantom is directed by D-Day founder Lester Hsi (The Bridge Curse, The Bridge Curse: Ritual).
—Sara Merican, Deadline, 22 May 2025
Adjective
Steiner serves on the board of FedEx, a direct USPS competitor.
—Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
There were some such stories, though—and from the earliest days of his Presidency, journalists consistently demanded more direct access to Biden, who, compared to his recent predecessors, did few formal interviews or press conferences.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
Adverb
The payments will be automatically direct deposited or sent by paper check.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 23 Dec. 2024
Eligible taxpayers would have also received a letter notifying them of the payment, and the payments were either automatically direct deposited or sent by paper check.
—Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for direct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for direct
Verb
-
Rihanna seemed to channel her own character for her dress inspo, as the Smurfs actress wore a beautiful blue tie-neck halter gown, which, similar to Tuesday's dress, also donned cutouts at her midriff.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
21 May 2025
-
Blythe and Grey Blythe and Grey channeled the feel of the Italian Riviera when designing the patio of a Spanish-style Phoenix home built in the 1940s.—
Elizabeth Stamp,
Architectural Digest,
20 May 2025
Verb
-
The area includes buffer zones along the border with Israel as well as the southern city of Rafah, which is now mostly uninhabited, and other large areas that Israel has ordered to be evacuated.—
Julia Frankel,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2025
-
Alongside the 12-year sentence, U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips ordered Zuberi pay close to $16 million in restitution and a nearly $2 million fine.—
Tara Suter,
The Hill,
29 May 2025
Verb
-
That’s how Phil Robertson, who found fame and fortune through his hunting-business empire and some controversy but also popularity for his outspoken religious and political beliefs, requested people respond to his death.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
26 May 2025
-
Prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York wrote to the judge requesting the man be incarcerated before trial.—
Evan Mealins,
USA Today,
25 May 2025
Verb
-
Gray supervised a special housing unit at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, prosecutors said.—
Sara Schilling,
Sacbee.com,
28 May 2025
-
There’s similar apprehension about the new Judicial Disciplinary Tribunal that’s meant to supervise judges in office.—
Michael Rios,
CNN Money,
28 May 2025
Verb
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That license is currently set to expire on May 27, but sources indicate it may now be extended by 60 days — an apparent diplomatic concession aimed at easing tensions and fostering future cooperation.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
21 May 2025
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The prestigious pilot initiative, developed by South Africa’s Big World Cinema in collaboration with the Bertha Foundation, aims to tackle persistent industry barriers faced by mid-career African film and television producers.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
21 May 2025
Verb
-
Otherwise, Parkinson has steered clear of borrowing players from elsewhere, focusing instead on permanent signings.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
-
Launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2016, the plan steers the Kingdom from reliance on oil to become a global leader in such sectors as technology, entertainment and tourism.—
R. Daniel Foster,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Adjective
-
There are two primary types of retail pharmacies: chain pharmacies, which are operated by larger companies, and independent pharmacies, which are often locally owned.—
Lucas Dufalla,
Arkansas Online,
24 May 2025
-
David Hogg, a Democratic National Committee vice chairman, has elevated his national profile but risked his standing in the DNC for promising to primary older incumbents in Congress.—
Naomi Lim,
The Washington Examiner,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, an outspoken critic of the city’s homeless programs, also has been a longtime supporter of terminating the emergency.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2025
-
These decisions suggest an effort to suppress all but the most overt nationalistic efforts from American artists, a fool’s errand given the outspoken nature of the creative community, and one that is not unfamiliar around the globe.—
Eric Kohn,
HollywoodReporter,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Direct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direct. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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