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
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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
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.
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Recent Examples of direct
Marah Eakin, Vulture, 27 June 2025
It is directed by Paola Randi, who co-wrote it with Salvatore De Mola and Andrea Valagussa.
—John Bleasdale, Variety, 27 June 2025
Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 16 June 2025
The unpredictability of international trade can delay spending, hiring, and strategic initiatives—direct consequences of the financial strain tariffs can impose.
—Vinay Goel, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Annie Palmer, CNBC, 30 Apr. 2025
Your celestial ruler, Mercury, will retrograde back into Pisces (before going direct on April 7) that same day, making communication between you and others all the more confusing — misunderstandings are bound to arise, so be patient.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for direct
Verb
The episode is beautifully directed by Ramy Youssef, with long shots of Marcus ambling through the dark streets of Denmark at night and diving into all manner of new and interesting flavors.
—Marah Eakin, Vulture, 27 June 2025
It is directed by Paola Randi, who co-wrote it with Salvatore De Mola and Andrea Valagussa.
—John Bleasdale, Variety, 27 June 2025
Adjective
Israel considers Iran's nuclear program to be a direct threat to its national security.
—Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 16 June 2025
The unpredictability of international trade can delay spending, hiring, and strategic initiatives—direct consequences of the financial strain tariffs can impose.
—Vinay Goel, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Adverb
Products on Haul cost $20 or less and many of them are sold direct from China using the de minimis trade exemption.
—Annie Palmer, CNBC, 30 Apr. 2025
Your celestial ruler, Mercury, will retrograde back into Pisces (before going direct on April 7) that same day, making communication between you and others all the more confusing — misunderstandings are bound to arise, so be patient.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for direct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for direct
Verb
-
As the co-chairman continues to push the need to channel that inner 10-year-old, the episode switches to home movie footage of the players as kids, interspersed with match action from the game against Charlton.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
27 June 2025
-
Ministers will argue that, with tax relief to private pension contributions costing £46.8 billion in 2022-23, the latest year for which figures are available, they are entitled to ask for more pension savings to be channelled toward the U.K. economy.—
Ian King,
CNBC,
25 June 2025
Verb
-
Some of those claims were dismissed by a judge in 2024, but the lawsuit was still ordered to move forward; in June, however, Lizzo filed an appeal aimed at shutting it down for good on the grounds that the dancers’ claims clashed with her First Amendment rights.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
1 July 2025
-
The company has been ordering fireworks a year in advance, Marietta said.—
Tim Hrenchir,
USA Today,
1 July 2025
Verb
-
The expansion fee is a record $250 million, according to two sources who requested anonymity because the discussions were private.—
Kurt Badenhausen,
Sportico.com,
30 June 2025
-
At his second federal hearing, on Friday morning, Boelter’s detention and preliminary hearing was rescheduled to Wednesday after his legal team requested a continuance, CBS News reported.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
30 June 2025
Verb
-
All of it is medically supervised and adjusted throughout the stay.—
Nel-Olivia Waga,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
Each student had a spiritual director, and Prevost chose Sister Lyn Osiek, who also supervised his theological-reflection class.—
Belinda Luscombe,
Time,
1 July 2025
Verb
-
Unsurprisingly, the number of AI offerings aimed at the legal profession is growing.—
Jeff John Roberts,
Fortune,
26 June 2025
-
Anxiety might also require more intensive cognitive-behavioral interventions aimed at changing negative thought patterns.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Time,
26 June 2025
Verb
-
Fifth, without patients being steered through insurance networks, direct-to-patient providers must compete for business by offering attractive pricing and high-quality care.—
Ge Bai,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
Senate Republicans steered the sweeping policy bill past a filibuster by using the protections of a process known as budget reconciliation, which also required the legislation to undergo a flurry of amendment votes that stretched from early Monday to lunchtime Tuesday.—
Morgan Chalfant,
semafor.com,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
The second floor has the primary suite, which is large and has a private balcony that overlooks the grounds.—
James Alexander,
Hartford Courant,
29 June 2025
-
Disclosure data shows that more than a dozen lawyers and paralegals with the New York Legal Assistance Group made cash contributions to Mamdani’s campaign ahead of the primary election.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
29 June 2025
Adjective
-
The Democratic lawmakers have been outspoken critics of conditions at the centers amid concerns over overcrowding and detainee deaths.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
23 June 2025
-
Newsom, however, was an outspoken opponent of the proposition.—
George Skelton,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Direct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direct. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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