direct 1 of 3

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
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
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

direct

2 of 3

adjective

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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2
3
4

direct

3 of 3

adverb

as in straight
in a direct line or course flew direct to the coast

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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

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
Verb
Currently, the state attorney general has directed local law enforcement agencies not to assist federal authorities in civil immigration enforcement. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025 But after the Supreme Court set the historical tradition test in its 2022 decision known as Bruen, the justices directed the appeals court to reconsider its ruling. Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 3 June 2025
Adjective
Risk managers must not only factor in the impact of direct tariffs on goods and supply chains but must also model drops in services revenue. Forrester, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025 Results from this simple blood test can narrow down possibilities, and direct people towards a PET scan for conclusive diagnosis more quickly. Louise Jacobsen Fisher, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 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
  • In Entertainment Weekly's exclusive preview of the next RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 10 episode, guest judges and Wicked costars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo reunite to surprise the queens by channeling Alyssa Edwards from behind the Werk Room's makeup mirrors.
    Joey Nolfi Published, EW.com, 12 June 2025
  • The challenge for Lander was to channel it in a way that would bring benefits to the people living there, not just the ones moving in.
    Kim Velsey, Curbed, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • The last time a president called in the National Guard without a governor’s cooperation was in 1965, when Lyndon B. Johnson ordered troops to protect civil rights demonstrators in Alabama.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2025
  • Helen's Tomato Pie Senior Digital News Editor Rebecca Baer heads to one of downtown Birmingham’s most popular restaurants, Helen, each summer to order their beloved Tomato Pie.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • On June 4, lawyers for the 27-year-old rapper and Twitch streamer – born Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr. – requested a temporary emergency order in Los Angeles Superior Court, according to a filing reviewed by USA TODAY.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 6 June 2025
  • Officials discussed requesting state and county funding for future recreation opportunities.
    Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Kim also supervised test-firings of missiles from the destroyer afterward, and state media said the ship was expected to enter active duty early next year.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 June 2025
  • There would also be logistical questions to address, including who's responsible for supervising students if they are made to leave their classroom during certain lessons and how to select alternative material that is inoffensive to their parents.
    BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • The strikes came a day after the U.N. nuclear watchdog declared that Iran wasn't complying with nuclear nonproliferation agreements aimed at halting the spread of nuclear weapons.
    Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 14 June 2025
  • This is the second flight of the first-stage booster, which will aim for a recovery landing back at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Landing Zone 1.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • After seizing power in 2007, Hamas clamped down on Gaza’s gangs — sometimes with brute force and sometimes by steering perks their way.
    Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
  • The program has drawn scrutiny for years, seen by critics as ways for supervisors to solicit political support by steering millions in public money to recipients of their choosing with no public debate.
    Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • The dining room and kitchen lead to an expansive primary suite overlooking the backyard terrace.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025
  • Furthermore, Newmont has been selling non-core assets, generating substantial proceeds to bolster its primary operations and financial standing.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Known for his outspoken floor speeches and frequent criticism of bipartisan bills, May had also built a reputation as a disruptive political consultant, backing challengers against sitting GOP incumbents.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
  • Thompson, who turned 31 in April, was a longtime leader of the Panthers’ locker room, known for his energy, quickness and outspoken nature.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Direct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direct. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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