Thesaurus

direct

Q: How does the verb 'direct' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of direct are bid , charge , command , enjoin , instruct , and order . While all these words mean "to issue orders," direct and instruct both connote expectation of obedience and usually concern specific points of procedure or method, instruct sometimes implying greater explicitness or formality. // directed her assistant to hold all calls // the judge instructed the jury to ignore the remark

Q: When would 'bid' be a good substitute for 'direct'?

The synonyms bid and direct are sometimes interchangeable, but bid suggests giving orders peremptorily (as to children or servants). // she bade him be seated

Q: How do 'charge' and 'enjoin' relate to one another, in the sense of 'direct'?

Charge adds to enjoin an implication of imposing as a duty or responsibility. // charged by the President with a secret mission

Q: How are the words 'command' and 'order' related as synonyms of 'direct'?

Both command and order imply authority and usually some degree of formality and impersonality; command stresses official exercise of authority. // a general commanding troops

Q: When might 'enjoin' be a better fit than 'direct'?

While the synonyms enjoin and direct are close in meaning, enjoin implies giving an order or direction authoritatively and urgently and often with admonition or solicitude. // a sign enjoining patrons to be quiet

Q: When is it sensible to use 'order' instead of 'direct'?

While in some cases nearly identical to direct , order may suggest peremptory or arbitrary exercise. // ordered his employees about like slaves

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of direct

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 to cause to move to a central point or along a restricted pathway

the aqueduct directs the water into an artificial lake

Synonyms for direct

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2 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

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mind,
obey

3 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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Phrases Synonymous with direct

call for

Near Antonyms for direct

4 to look after and make decisions about

the music teacher directs both the student orchestra and the marching band

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Phrases Synonymous with direct

watch over

5 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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sight

bear,
face

Near Antonyms for direct

6 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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precede

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follow,
trail

direct

adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms of direct (Entry 2 of 3)

1 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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hands-on

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2 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 going straight to the point clearly and firmly

clear and direct instructions that left no room for misinterpretation

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4 free from irregularities or digressions in course

this road provides the most direct route to your destination

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direct

adverb

Synonyms & Antonyms of direct (Entry 3 of 3)

in a direct line or course

flew direct to the coast

Synonyms for direct

Phrases Synonymous with direct

as the crow flies

Near Antonyms for direct

Antonyms for direct

indirectly

Frequently Asked Questions About direct

How does the verb direct contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of direct are bid, charge, command, enjoin, instruct, and order. While all these words mean "to issue orders," direct and instruct both connote expectation of obedience and usually concern specific points of procedure or method, instruct sometimes implying greater explicitness or formality.

directed her assistant to hold all calls

the judge instructed the jury to ignore the remark

When would bid be a good substitute for direct?

The synonyms bid and direct are sometimes interchangeable, but bid suggests giving orders peremptorily (as to children or servants).

she bade him be seated

How do charge and enjoin relate to one another, in the sense of direct?

Charge adds to enjoin an implication of imposing as a duty or responsibility.

charged by the President with a secret mission

How are the words command and order related as synonyms of direct?

Both command and order imply authority and usually some degree of formality and impersonality; command stresses official exercise of authority.

a general commanding troops

When might enjoin be a better fit than direct?

While the synonyms enjoin and direct are close in meaning, enjoin implies giving an order or direction authoritatively and urgently and often with admonition or solicitude.

a sign enjoining patrons to be quiet