Definition of directionnext
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as in compass
a guiding or motivating purpose or principle a life that seemed to lack any direction other than the mindless pursuit of empty pleasures

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in trend
a prevailing or general movement or inclination some older people worry about the overall direction that political discourse has taken lately

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 direction Swim in a direction following the shoreline. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 24 May 2026 Players who have moved in the opposite direction ended up becoming fan favourites in Bobby Zamora, Paul Konchesky, Teddy Sheringham and Matt Etherington. Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 24 May 2026 San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman hit a pop-up in Miguel Vargas’ direction with two outs in the fifth inning Saturday at Oracle Park. Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026 On a major league baseball field, the mowing direction plays a big part in creating the intricate outfield designs and signature stripes in the lawn. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for direction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for direction
Noun
  • Fiebig banged their stick against the goal post at one point, frustrated, but continued to shout instruction and encouragement.
    Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
  • They were briefly allowed to return to their apartment that evening, only to receive instructions to leave again early Friday.
    Eric Licas, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • That means repairing seawalls and bolstering shorelines, restoring wetlands, improving stormwater management and drainage, ensuring clean lakes, hardening infrastructure, and keeping homes and roadways out of the water.
    Anna V. Eskamani, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026
  • This includes the cost of acquiring lands, construction costs, preconstruction engineering and design, construction management and contingencies, according to the plan.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • Perhaps the coolest bit is the clock in the top-right corner, which, at the press of a button, cycles into a 60-second stopwatch, and then a compass.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 26 May 2026
  • So many role-playing games spoonfeed you with compasses and waypoints and fourth-wall-breaking warnings.
    Alex James Kane, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • Both trends, stemming from wars in the 1760s, would shape the dynamics of the 1770s in profound and abiding ways.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
  • Studded swimwear is one of summer’s hottest trends.
    Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 25 May 2026
Noun
  • Evacuation orders were issued for the area Thursday, but they were lifted that night after the vapor conditions improved, McGovern said.
    Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 23 May 2026
  • But the real joy here is the wine list, which is stocked with everything from hard-to-find and private-order bottles to biodynamic selections, organic Burgundies, and orange wines.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • Unlike the Olympics, athletes competing in the Enhanced Games are allowed to use performance-enhancing substances such as testosterone, HGH and EPO under medical supervision, though organizers say drugs must be regulated and monitored.
    Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026
  • Their response to supervision is a critical factor.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • Their sacrifice helped turn the tide of World War II and led to the defeat of Nazi Germany less than a year later.
    David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2026
  • After a handful of seasons that were dominated by simple, somewhat austere quiet luxury and stealth wealth, the tide is shifting toward a more colorful—and simply more joyful—way of dressing.
    Rosana Lai, Glamour, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • The edict that journalists be accompanied at all times while on Pentagon grounds was introduced in March after a judge struck down an earlier set of restrictions.
    Scott Nover, Washington Post, 18 May 2026
  • The Chargers’ last game was a playoff loss to Vrabel’s Patriots, so nothing short of an edict from the NFL probably would have stopped the franchise’s social media team from referencing the Vrabel-Russini controversy.
    Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Direction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direction. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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