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

That clause only blocked the Kittrells from directly taking back the trust's assets but did not block them from taking the assets back indirectly. — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

But in terms of sanctions, Beijing has yet to directly target an American tech giant. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

The force concluded that deliberate omissions, improper maintenance practices, and organizational failures directly contributed to sending the aircraft into dangerous weather conditions. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026

Pulling a color directly from a vibrant repeat is a safe bet. — Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026