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
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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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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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as in straight
in a direct line or course
flew direct to the coast
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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
-
Then, in a December 2023 decision, in a partial redo of that arbitration, Arbitrator Roger Kaplan ordered France to pay Bernstein $810,846.67, including $450,000 in punitive damages for his conduct.—
Chris Deubert,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2025
-
Bronx Criminal Court Judge Audrey Stone on Wednesday ordered that Jeremy Cortorreal spend the next two decades behind bars for killing Lisette Gomez back on March 21, 2023.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
17 May 2025
Verb
-
The analysis, requested by Councilmembers Nithya Raman and Soto-Martínez, would have explored whether to allow the hotel to keep a share of the tax revenues generated by the new tower.—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2025
-
Records from interstate child safety authorities are being requested by the police, according to the outlet.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
People.com,
13 May 2025
Verb
-
In 2023, Florida ended a more than two-decade experiment that saw child protective investigators employed and supervised by sheriff’s offices in seven counties, including Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco.—
Christopher O’Donnell,
Miami Herald,
17 May 2025
-
Shamkhani said that if a deal were to take place, Iran would not make nuclear weapons, would reduce stockpiles of enriched uranium to a level only needed for civilian use, and would allow international inspectors to supervise the process.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
16 May 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
Staying grounded in their business mission helps foster a sense of resiliency and will steer their business through uncertain times.—
AllBusiness,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
-
At that point, the chief engineer had also woken up and went to the control room to try and maneuver the ship while the skipper attempted to steer from the fly bridge.—
Greta Bjornson,
People.com,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
In the place of Gantu, the character Jumba instead assumes the primary villain status in the remake.—
Benjamin VanHoose,
People.com,
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
-
His outspoken criticism of a student strike won him the support of California’s then governor, Ronald Reagan, and, in 1968, Hayakawa was appointed the college’s acting president.—
Graciela Mochkofsky,
New Yorker,
19 May 2025
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Another singles match will see the tough Sheamus go one-on-one with the outspoken Grayson Waller.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Direct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direct. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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