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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

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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 This was not only a beautiful collection, but a confident new direction for the house — one that feels entirely authentic to its heritage while opening an exciting new chapter. Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2025 Portland and Oregon law enforcement, at the direction of local leaders, have refused to aid ICE officers facing relentless terrorist assault and threats to life. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2025 The problem was, with technology still being in its infancy, the Forever creator and her husband, Salim Akil, had to lead her — police escort style — in the right direction. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025 For example, at Ochsner Choctaw General in Alabama — the only hospital for 30 miles in any direction — FEMA maps suggest a 100-year flood would overflow a nearby creek but spare the hospital. CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for direction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for direction
Noun
  • Some ovens have a dehydrating setting, so consult the user manual for specific instructions.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Adjust lawncare practices such as mowing at the proper height and not over-irrigating and apply a fungicide, according to label instructions, says Waltz.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Still, flare-up prevention and daily management can make a world of difference in preventing flare-ups.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The post-graduate educational initiative kicks off in January with yearlong academic courses across management, innovation, sustainability, production, finance, e-commerce, communication and marketing held at Accademia Costume & Moda’s Milan campus.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Within five minutes, officers found Lewis less than two blocks from the stabbing, wearing the same clothing and a distinctive compass chain described by the victim and a witness.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The new compass heading is clear, out with theChiarellis, the McKenzies, and the Milleys.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • While stocks in the region, so far, have underperformed their emerging-market peers, letting down many investors, these lower valuations are attractive to KKR because of the positive macro trends.
    Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2025
  • An extension of little luxuries, this trend is an easy way to treat yourself to something both beautiful and delicious!
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Perez said community members and law enforcement need to work together in order to combat violent crime.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Here's a definitive guide to beginning (or rewatching) every American Horror Story season in order.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Even tiny hands can make these adorable crafts—with supervision from a caregiver, of course.
    Ellen Sturm Niz, Parents, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Tole and his attorneys allege civil counts of assault/battery and negligent hiring, retention and supervision.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Lloyd showed off his athleticism from there, returning the pick 99 yards for a turn-the-tide touchdown.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Fall in South Florida is not marked by changing leaves, but by rising tides.
    Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The edict also created mass confusion and even panic among current H-1B holders and employers, thanks to conflicting statements from the White House.
    Senior Reporter, PC Magazine, 22 Sep. 2025
  • The edict is also risky, potentially giving viewers the sense that Brennan is less able to question or challenge her guests — one of the main elements of TV’s Sunday political shows that bring viewers to them in the first place.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Direction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direction. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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