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

The shoes are complete with the luxury footwear designer’s signature Stardust sole, which is a shimmering bottom finish created by embedding fine micro-glitter, crystal dust and shimmering particles directly into the leather sole of the shoes. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026

The redesign is taking place while the MTA reconstructs the Grand Central Train Shed, which is directly below the stretch of Park Avenue that'll be part of the redesign. — Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

Hayden Panettiere’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, directly addressed her death for the first time, a month after her tragic passing. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 17 Sep. 2026

Viewers can, of course, also keep it easy by subscribing to Peacock directly. — Camila Quimper, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026