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
Israel has not directly commented on the latest draft memorandum of understanding that was shared in Iranian state media.
—
Kevin Breuninger,april Roach,joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 12 June 2026
Ultimately, the team views this discovery as a vital step toward meeting global net-zero targets by directly harnessing solar energy to tackle the dual challenges of greenhouse gas reduction and waste valorization.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 June 2026
Cassidy, who also sponsored that bill, said the measure directly addressed Ortega’s situation but more work needed to be done.
—Emily Hoerner, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
The focus is no longer just on attacking cancer cells directly, but also navigating the tumor microenvironment in order to protect immune cells in their mission to kill cancer cells.
—Charles J. Dimitroff, The Conversation, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for directly
Kevin Breuninger,april Roach,joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 12 June 2026
Ultimately, the team views this discovery as a vital step toward meeting global net-zero targets by directly harnessing solar energy to tackle the dual challenges of greenhouse gas reduction and waste valorization.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 June 2026
Cassidy, who also sponsored that bill, said the measure directly addressed Ortega’s situation but more work needed to be done.
—Emily Hoerner, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
The focus is no longer just on attacking cancer cells directly, but also navigating the tumor microenvironment in order to protect immune cells in their mission to kill cancer cells.
—Charles J. Dimitroff, The Conversation, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for directly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for directly
Adverb
-
The kitchen is dreamy with its huge windows and Siberian elm countertops; same goes for the back patio with its trellis covering a full-size outdoor-dining table that feels straight out of Under the Tuscan Sun.—
Clio Chang,
Curbed,
14 June 2026
-
Dallas did not run into the same slow-start hitch in set two and fended off the Aces’ mid-set comeback efforts to win 15-11 and secure the straight-set victory.—
Ava DiCecca,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2026
Adverb
-
Pimentel argued the school failed to intervene despite students openly discussing the security guard's behavior.—
Peter D'Oench,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
-
Most importantly, create a culture where needs can be shared openly, without stigma.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Adverb
-
But in the spirit of America, Peacock made sure to check and recheck their votes to accurately reflect what its viewers want to see.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
12 June 2026
-
Or, perhaps more accurately, the dream-diary of a person who knows the country but didn’t step foot anywhere near it to make his movie.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
11 June 2026
Adverb
-
Coach Rachel Monroe called a timeout to try to set up one last offensive opportunity, but Hagan immediately forced a turnover off the restart whistle, and the Timberwolves held possession for the final moments before the team sprinted towards goalie Lila Zahurak to celebrate.—
Matt Goisman,
Boston Herald,
11 June 2026
-
Representatives for Tarek and Heather didn't immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
11 June 2026
Adverb
-
Ongoing construction worsened the situation, but shortly after the interchange, traffic eased.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
16 June 2026
-
Smith served in Vietnam in 1970, shortly after his oldest daughter was born.—
Nick Lunemann,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
Adverb
-
And right before the end of the half, a thunderous shot from Akam Hashim flew just over the crossbar and rippled the top of the net, briefly making the stadium think Iraq had equalized.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
17 June 2026
-
Mary Shelley also seems like the type of person who would fit right into the Widow’s Bay community.—
Jen Chaney,
Vulture,
17 June 2026
Adverb
-
The back support was there, and as someone who’s five eleven, that was sincerely appreciated.—
Kristi Kellogg,
Architectural Digest,
10 Dec. 2025
-
Even simple gestures like dropping a warm drink off to a friend or sincerely thanking a retail worker can boost mood and increase feelings of social connection.—
Jennifer Moss,
CNBC,
10 Dec. 2025
Adverb
-
Experts have long struggled to accurately forecast exactly when and where the phenomenon will occur.—
John Tufts,
IndyStar,
8 Dec. 2025
-
And that’s exactly what a series like Percy Jackson and the Olympians will inspire your tween or teen to do, because there are so many unique characters that viewers will be eager to research more on demigods and Greek mythology.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Parents,
8 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Directly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directly. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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