1
as in straight
in a direct line or course
we went directly to the site without stopping to pick up extra supplies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in openly
in an honest and direct manner
the instructor deals with her art students very directly, always telling them the plain truth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in accurately
in the same words
quoted directly from the encyclopedia
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in immediately
without delay
in case of a medical emergency, do not try to contact your doctor but instead go directly to the hospital
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in shortly
at or within a short time
dinner should be ready directly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of directly
None of the repayment will be from arena coffers directly.
—
John Tuohy, IndyStar, 22 July 2025
Some called for wandering magnetic poles that would have shuffled across the planet and brought cold snaps directly to continents, like a waiter serving drinks around a dining room.
—Laura Poppick
july 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025
When Lucero objected, the supervisor placed the phone with the images directly in front of Lucero’s face and led colleagues in ridiculing Lucero, the lawsuit said.
—Alexandra Hardle, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above.
—Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for directly
John Tuohy, IndyStar, 22 July 2025
Some called for wandering magnetic poles that would have shuffled across the planet and brought cold snaps directly to continents, like a waiter serving drinks around a dining room.
—Laura Poppick
july 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025
When Lucero objected, the supervisor placed the phone with the images directly in front of Lucero’s face and led colleagues in ridiculing Lucero, the lawsuit said.
—Alexandra Hardle, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above.
—Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for directly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for directly
Adverb
-
This principle bypasses complex geopolitical narratives and cuts straight to the heart of shared humanity.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
-
No wonder so many Hollywood luminaries have been shipping their kids off to New England for nearly eight weeks every summer — far from the privilege and polish of L.A. life and straight into the land of lanyards and communal childhood trauma.—
Benjamin Svetkey,
HollywoodReporter,
26 July 2025
Adverb
-
But accurately predicting tsunamis is challenging because of the many factors at play.—
Michal Ruprecht,
NPR,
30 July 2025
-
The number of deaths was never accurately calculated, with estimates running from 1,000 to 6,000.—
Jeffrey Kluger,
Time,
30 July 2025
Adverb
-
Homicide Unit detectives are investigating the shooting, and a police spokesperson did not immediately describe details or announce an arrest.—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 July 2025
-
No damage or injuries were immediately reported, according to Russian media.—
John Bacon,
USA Today,
20 July 2025
Adverb
-
Wilkins was injured in Week 5 last season and had some sort of setback in his recovery that took him out of offseason practices and landed him on the physically unable to perform list shortly before training camp opened Wednesday.—
Mark Anderson,
Baltimore Sun,
25 July 2025
-
As out-of-towners continue to move to the Valley, national chains popular in other states do their best to follow shortly behind.—
Endia Fontanez,
AZCentral.com,
25 July 2025
Adverb
-
Located right across the water from Miami, Key Biscayne is filled with tranquil experiences in nature, delicious dining options with incredible views of the water, and even a little bit of history to explore.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
30 July 2025
-
The dog is five feet and is perfect for setting up right next to your other decor.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 July 2025
Adverb
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The crucial element isn't avoiding errors, which is impossible, but rather owning them, apologizing sincerely, and committing to improvement.—
Julie Kratz,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
-
Because my beliefs are sincerely rooted in a flawed human’s attempts at decency — with equality for all, and discriminating against no one.—
Todd Gilchrist,
IndieWire,
11 July 2025
Adverb
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For example, problem one asks students to imagine a triangular grid of dots (like a triangular pegboard) and figure out how to cover all the dots using exactly n straight lines.—
Benj Edwards,
ArsTechnica,
21 July 2025
-
When Lutnick took the stage, his interlocutor asked what exactly was going on with the tariffs.—
Antonia Hitchens,
New Yorker,
21 July 2025
Adverb
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And while those cocktails usually have rum, how perfectly tiki for a gin cocktail to show up wearing a rum cocktail’s clothes, and to be instantly accepted by the community, and raised as one of their own.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
26 July 2025
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For many of us, the smell or taste of a specific recipe can instantly transport us back in time.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Directly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directly. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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