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

Helly Hansen provided relief for audit expenses rather than directly funding worker reimbursements. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 2026

The White House and the Interior Department did not directly respond to requests for comment on the park service. — Matthew Daly, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Visitors are invited to stop, look and choose the one that speaks most directly to them. — Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026

The organization does not tolerate any actions that directly contradict the values and policies of the Fraternity and holds strict rulings against members and chapters that violate Fraternity expectations and the law. — Abby Dodge, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026