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
Briauna Brown,
CBS News,
25 June 2026
Donkey will be directed by Charlie Bean, who previously helmed The Lego Ninjago Movie and Disney's live-action Lady and the Tramp.
—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 June 2026
Nadia Hassani,
The Spruce,
24 June 2026
In addition to removing the commission’s direct authority over the chief job, Houston — who devised his proposal with Council President Kevin Jenkins — sought to eliminate a selection panel that appoints four of the commission’s members, allowing the council to handpick them instead.
—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
24 June 2026
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
3 Mar. 2026
Always go direct to the source, Google itself, by typing the URL into your web browser or using the options within a Google app you are already signed into.
—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for direct
Verb
Redesign proposal rejected Council members rejected the redesign proposal on Wednesday night and directed city staff to advance the project on its current design without any further delay.
—
Briauna Brown,
CBS News,
25 June 2026
Donkey will be directed by Charlie Bean, who previously helmed The Lego Ninjago Movie and Disney's live-action Lady and the Tramp.
—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 June 2026
Adjective
Even in a warm climate, peppers are not direct seeded but started in pots, which provides much better control over the germination process.
—
Nadia Hassani,
The Spruce,
24 June 2026
In addition to removing the commission’s direct authority over the chief job, Houston — who devised his proposal with Council President Kevin Jenkins — sought to eliminate a selection panel that appoints four of the commission’s members, allowing the council to handpick them instead.
—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
24 June 2026
Adverb
For example, the Asia-to-Europe trade lane saw a 22 percent capacity increase caused by airlines either switching technical stops to Central Asia or flying direct instead.
—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
3 Mar. 2026
Always go direct to the source, Google itself, by typing the URL into your web browser or using the options within a Google app you are already signed into.
—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for direct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for direct
Verb
-
In Seattle, there was a sense of the team harnessing the crowd’s energy, and of the crowd channelling the energy emanating far beyond.
-
As an artist who often publicly discusses mental health struggles, Caudle was willing to channel the anxiety that comes with impending parenthood throughout the process of writing and recording Heavy Thrill.
Verb
-
Talarico also came under fire in May for ordering a meatless taco.
-
That has worried digital rights and free speech activists, who say that India is increasingly using its powers to silence online voices opposing the government, including ordering social media takedowns and blocking access to some accounts.
Verb
-
The Ohio Supreme Court has denied Mackenzie Shirilla's appeal requesting a new trial after she was convicted of murder in 2022.
-
Around the same time, PennLive reporter Jenna Wise requested three autopsy reports related to a 2025 crime spree from Susquehanna County Coroner Jessica Chiaramonte.
Verb
-
That enables Cadence’s system, which is supervised by physicians, to alert a clinician when a patient is deteriorating before a stroke or heart attack, for example.
-
Judge Stacy Street sentenced Beckwith to three years supervised probation, the court clerk confirmed to USA TODAY.
Verb
-
That's significant because the nonprofit aims to reduce the stigma of mental health disorders, especially among Asian American families.
-
Taiwan’s ongoing military drills are aimed at boosting the island’s combat readiness in case of a Chinese military attack.
Verb
-
Frank Carone agreed to accept bribes from Zhu and Chen, funneled through Anthony Carone, in exchange for steering a multimillion-dollar contract to house migrants at their Long Island City hotel, the indictment alleges.
-
Ahead of Mulier’s February 2027 debut, the intention is that the new creative and business management line-up, including Bertelli and the next chief executive, will work together to steer Versace’s new era.
Adjective
-
LondonReuters — King Charles will not live at Buckingham Palace after its 10-year refurbishment finishes next year, royal officials said on Thursday, ending nearly two centuries of the central London landmark serving as the British monarch’s primary residence.
-
Who enforces Assembly Bill 660 The primary responsibility for enforcing Assembly Bill 660, an amendment to the California Retail Food Code, falls on local enforcement, a spokesperson with the California Department of Public Health said.
Adjective
-
During the primary the two contenders agreed on most issues, but Valdez argued throughout the campaign that Reynoso wasn't outspoken enough.
-
Jackie and Shadow became internet sensations thanks to the live webcams maintained in their nest by nonprofit organization Friends of Big Bear Valley, which is an outspoken voice for conserving eagle habitat.
Cite this Entry
“Direct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direct. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
