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
How much of Hart’s inner life was written directly into the script?
—
Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Feb. 2026
The visit drew some criticism from local advocates who argued federal officials should engage directly with affected residents rather than with the press and local officials.
—Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
Vouchers involve government funds sent directly to families.
—Shlomo Soroka, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
Mentink and Collard are now challenging the state laws that prevent them from opening their business directly to Oklahomans.
—Dale Denwalt, Oklahoman, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for directly
Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Feb. 2026
The visit drew some criticism from local advocates who argued federal officials should engage directly with affected residents rather than with the press and local officials.
—Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
Vouchers involve government funds sent directly to families.
—Shlomo Soroka, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
Mentink and Collard are now challenging the state laws that prevent them from opening their business directly to Oklahomans.
—Dale Denwalt, Oklahoman, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for directly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for directly
Adverb
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Also, click here to subscribe to our newsletter bringing our top stories of the week straight to your inbox.—
Ronnie Li,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
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Alternately, at any point, Huppert could interrupt herself, stare the audience straight in the face and advise them to turn off, walk out and experience the world.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
8 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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The opportunity wasn’t lost on Shula, the rock-solid legend who sat afterward at his locker, openly crying, in a manner that stunned Dolphins personnel.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
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Online, conservatives have threatened to boycott the Super Bowl and the NFL more broadly, with influential voices like Newsmax host Greg Kelly and Tomi Lahren openly criticizing the league for choosing Bad Bunny as the performer.—
Lisa Respers France,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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Still, Choula said, long-distance caregivers are often grappling with not having enough information to accurately assess their parents' needs.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
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Although its exact origins can’t be accurately traced, curling is a sport believed to have originated in the 16th century.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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An email to Robert Bird, an attorney for plaintiffs Pinellas County Young Republicans and University of South Florida College Republicans, was not immediately returned.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Feb. 2026
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David Plotz, the CEO of City Cast, told Semafor in a phone call that the local podcast network was expanding its coverage of Washington as a direct result of the Post’s pullback, and would be immediately hiring four multi-platform journalists.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
5 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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Full casting will be announced shortly.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
9 Feb. 2026
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Several people reported hearing fireworks shortly before a grass fire broke out in the area.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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Instead of medical responders, the NYPD arrived and shot our son multiple times right in front of us.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
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Disney’s board then as a result was committed to getting this transition right this time, looking at other internal candidates and a few notable external names.—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
3 Feb. 2026
Adverb
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Dozens of Bay Area mayors, councilmembers and officials signed an open letter calling for Martinez to either sincerely work to repair his relationship with the Jewish community or resign.—
Sierra Lopez,
Mercury News,
21 Jan. 2026
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Taking a closer look at the societal environments that overshadow low-income communities must be in the equation when sincerely working to stop child abuse.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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The chaos followed a memorial for Good and Pretti, which was hosted exactly one month from the date of Good's death at Powderhorn Park, roughly a 15-minute drive from the federal building.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
8 Feb. 2026
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But the Patriots touched down first at San José Mineta International Airport on Sunday, almost exactly a week before kickoff.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Directly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directly. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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