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

Multiple reporters have texted yours truly directly singing the sophomore receiver’s praises. — Jess Bryant, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Following complaints about that setup, fans can now buy the service directly from MLB with an optional free month of Unlimited. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 20 Aug. 2026

There was a full moon out that night and the light behind him was shining directly behind his head. — Tribune News Service, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 2026

Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty connected the measure directly to cities’ efforts to reduce homelessness, saying shelters can become bottlenecked when residents have nowhere affordable to move after receiving temporary housing. — Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2026