Synonyms of directly

directly

adverb

də-ˈrek(t)-lē 

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

• straight
• right
• direct
• due
• as the crow flies
• dead
• straightway
• plumb
• plump

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indirectly
• circuitously
• deviously
• veeringly

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

• openly
• sincerely
• abruptly
• straightforwardly
• straight
• straightforward
• plain
• honestly
• forthrightly
• simply
• sharply
• plainly
• frankly
• candidly
• baldly
• unreservedly
• bluntly
• foursquare
• rudely
• brusquely
• curtly
• unguardedly
• truthfully
• openheartedly
• bluffly
• earnestly
• artlessly
• tactlessly
• impolitely
• point-blank
• gruffly
• veraciously
• inconsiderately

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• politely
• tactfully
• courteously
• diplomatically
• wordily
• verbosely
• indirectly
• civilly
• erroneously
• falsely
• deceitfully
• untruthfully
• mendaciously
• long-windedly
• hypocritically
• insincerely
• circuitously
• fallaciously
• ambiguously
• evasively
• equivocally

3

as in accurately

in the same words

quoted directly from the encyclopedia

Synonyms & Similar Words

• accurately
• exactly
• precisely
• verbatim
• word for word
• literally
• ad verbum
• identically

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• essentially
• virtually
• basically
• freely
• inexactly
• loosely
• carelessly
• inaccurately
• imprecisely

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

• immediately
• instantly
• promptly
• now
• right
• away
• quickly
• shortly
• instantaneously
• soon
• right off
• right away
• off the bat
• suddenly
• straightaway
• straight off
• at once
• right now
• on the spot
• forthwith
• bang
• in no time
• incontinently
• presently
• headlong
• on the double
• straightway
• rapidly
• swiftly
• freely
• abruptly
• on a dime
• PDQ
• plumb
• momentarily
• readily
• instanter
• pronto
• speedily
• fast
• quick
• briskly
• unexpectedly
• hastily
• apace
• swift
• recklessly
• impulsively
• rashly
• fleetly
• impetuously
• opportunely
• presto
• punctually
• seasonably
• anon
• full tilt
• posthaste
• exactly
• snappily

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• slowly
• late
• tardily

5

as in shortly

at or within a short time

dinner should be ready directly

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shortly
• soon
• immediately
• momentarily
• before long
• now
• presently
• promptly
• instantly
• instantaneously
• by and by
• right away
• right off
• straightaway
• forthwith
• right now
• anon
• incontinently
• straightway
• pronto

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of directly

For a natural, lash-enhancing effect, Briceno suggests pressing the pencil directly into the roots of your lashes rather than drawing a thick line above them. — Marci Robin, Allure, 24 July 2026

By the end of his studies, Salakhutdinov recalled, Yang turned down a job offer from a senior Apple executive who reported directly to Tim Cook. — John Liu, CNN Money, 24 July 2026

Not only have hospitals and clinics struggled to provide primary care to those directly affected by the disaster, but multiple international organizations warn that the country faces a prolonged health crisis. — Alfie Pannell, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026

Even if Axon receives a Freedom of Information Act request, warrant or subpoena, the company cannot release license-plate data and must forward the request directly to the agency who owns it, Basterrechea said. — Rose Evans july 23, Idaho Statesman, 23 July 2026