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
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
-
Saturday’s strikes raised immediate questions about the extent of the U.S. involvement in the Middle East and about Trump’s authority to order the bombings without congressional approval.—
Brett Samuels,
The Hill,
22 June 2025
-
Mahmoud Khalil greeted friends and spoke briefly to reporters Saturday at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey a day after a judge ordered his release from a federal immigration facility in Louisiana.—
Holly Ramer,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
Verb
-
The flights will have regular communications with air traffic control towers, a wide array of sensors on board and someone supervising the plane from below. Plans for the company’s air taxis also are being tested at two other U.S. airports., Houston and Long Beach, California.—
Vinod Sreeharsha,
Miami Herald,
17 June 2025
-
Never feed or approach bears, secure all garbage, clean and store grills and fire pits properly, store any toys when not in use and make sure young children and pets are supervised when outside.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 June 2025
Verb
-
Experts aim for a 95% vaccination rate for measles to guard against outbreaks.—
Rong-Gong Lin II,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2025
-
Khamenei’s remarks appeared aimed more at projecting strength than reflecting reality.—
Rachel Wolf,
FOXNews.com,
26 June 2025
Verb
-
At the same time, Wynwood Norte is seeing some of the fruits of the rezoning in the form of several low-scale, neighborhood-friendly workforce apartment buildings that are now under construction, said Miami attorney Steven Wernick, who helped steer that plan to approval.—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
20 June 2025
-
They’re embedded just enough to carry the weight—but not enough to steer the ship.—
Roomy Khan,
Forbes.com,
20 June 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
-
Newsom, however, was an outspoken opponent of the proposition.—
George Skelton,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2025
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Direct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direct. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share