1
as in to channel
to cause to move to a central point or along a restricted pathway
the aqueduct directs the water into an artificial lake
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to order
to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority
our tour guide directed us to wait in front of the building until she could rejoin us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to request
to request the doing of by virtue of one's authority
the caretaker directed that all of the windows be closed before we left
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to supervise
to look after and make decisions about
the music teacher directs both the student orchestra and the marching band
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in to aim
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal
we quickly directed our attention toward the noise coming from the rear
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to steer
to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front
the guide directed the tour through the museum with commendable efficiency and expertise
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in primary
done or working without something else coming in between
a zoologist whose works are based entirely on her direct observation of animals in the wild the virus was the direct cause of the disease
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in outspoken
free in expressing one's true feelings and opinions
our coach is very direct, never hesitating for a moment to tell a player whenever he isn't performing up to snuff
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in straightforward
going straight to the point clearly and firmly
clear and direct instructions that left no room for misinterpretation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in linear
free from irregularities or digressions in course
this road provides the most direct route to your destination
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in straight
in a direct line or course
flew direct to the coast
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of direct
Rachel Yang, EW.com, 9 July 2025
Perhaps even more ominously for wind and solar, the order further directs Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to conduct a major, 45-day review to identify any administrative policies under his jurisdiction which provide preferential treatment for wind and solar projects and move to correct them.
—David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Daniel Brillman, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Goldman Sachs economists expect that eventually about 70% of the direct cost of tariffs will be passed onto consumers through higher prices.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 10 July 2025
Annie Palmer, CNBC, 30 Apr. 2025
Your celestial ruler, Mercury, will retrograde back into Pisces (before going direct on April 7) that same day, making communication between you and others all the more confusing — misunderstandings are bound to arise, so be patient.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for direct
Verb
The duo won Emmys for their work on both limited series, with Hanks winning an additional Emmy for directing an episode of Band of Brothers. —R.Y.
The 2000s saw Hanks starring in some of his most crowd-pleasing movies.
—Rachel Yang, EW.com, 9 July 2025
Perhaps even more ominously for wind and solar, the order further directs Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to conduct a major, 45-day review to identify any administrative policies under his jurisdiction which provide preferential treatment for wind and solar projects and move to correct them.
—David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
Automated processes for service eligibility, resource allocation and outcome tracking direct aid to those who need it most, quickly and efficiently.
—Daniel Brillman, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Goldman Sachs economists expect that eventually about 70% of the direct cost of tariffs will be passed onto consumers through higher prices.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 10 July 2025
Adverb
Products on Haul cost $20 or less and many of them are sold direct from China using the de minimis trade exemption.
—Annie Palmer, CNBC, 30 Apr. 2025
Your celestial ruler, Mercury, will retrograde back into Pisces (before going direct on April 7) that same day, making communication between you and others all the more confusing — misunderstandings are bound to arise, so be patient.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for direct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for direct
Verb
-
Finish off the look with a chic scarf top and statement earrings to channel your inner Italian screen siren along the Amalfi Coast this summer, and wear them well into cooler weather thanks to the thicker drape.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
7 July 2025
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Available exclusively to guests staying in the resort’s private villas (already a flex), this new package is all about channeling La Dolce Vita.—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
Fans can order custom looks — and tiny accessories to match — at their local David's Bridal store by making an appointment with the alterations team, according to a press release.—
Erin Clack,
People.com,
15 July 2025
-
For a low-calorie, sugar-free option, order a Caffè Misto with 2% milk or a non-dairy milk, like coconut or almond milk.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
Hoyos, 20, requested that applicants create a final product that was engaging, cohesive and matched her specific style.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 July 2025
-
By postgame Friday, Correa felt good enough to request to play in Saturday’s afternoon game, but Twins trainers declined.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
Dogs should be supervised when chewing on a bone, and larger breeds should get large ones to prevent swallowing; there are also plenty of chew toys that have a similar texture to bones, which could be a good alternative.—
Rachael O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
-
Labor costs can drop since workers can shift from manual weeding to supervising and maintaining the robots.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
Oregon has a similar program in place that aims to reduce carbon intensity in fuels by 37 percent by 2035.—
Rambo Talabong,
ArsTechnica,
8 July 2025
-
Hosted by Centro San Antonio, the event aims to bring the city together in solidarity with families and residents affected by the disaster.—
Robbie Farias,
Austin American Statesman,
8 July 2025
Verb
-
This level of confidence from Oakley is helping steer their vision of the future with the help of innovators like Meta AI, Axiom Space, and Travis Scott.—
Cassell Ferere,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
The more plausible option is development on the Gulf side, which could be steered westward along the northern Gulf Coast, the weather forecast company stated.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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For starters: The Heat returned to what essentially is their primary summer lineup, with Ware back after being held out of Tuesday’s finale of the California Classic.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
11 July 2025
-
Pocketbook Issues Dominate The primary drivers of uncertainly are the cost of living, price inflation and general economic uncertainty.—
Pamela N. Danziger,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Maher is often outspoken about normalizing all body types.—
Vanessa Etienne,
People.com,
14 July 2025
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Several of Sanchez's teammates, specifically Trea Turner, Nick Castellanos and JT Realmuto were very outspoken about the decision to add Misiorowski over Sanchez.—
Andrew Wright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Direct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direct. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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