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
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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
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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
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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
-
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
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
-
In July 2022, Citizens’ Board of Governors approved allowing the company to modify its policies with a rider that gave Citizens or its policyholders the right to request arbitration by DOAH.—
Ron Hurtibise,
Sun Sentinel,
12 July 2025
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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
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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
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By placing teachers at the center of innovation, the AFT and its partners aim to ensure that the next generation of students learns not just reading, writing, and arithmetic, but also how to use artificial intelligence wisely and with purpose.—
Dan Fitzpatrick,
Forbes.com,
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
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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
-
Now Vest has 15 saves and has blossomed into the Tigers’ primary ninth-inning option.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
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
-
While Trump was weighing the decision to strike Iran's nuclear sites, Vance came to the president's defense after supporters like Tucker Carlson and those in the MAGA base were outspoken against the U.S. getting involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran.—
Hannah Demissie,
ABC News,
5 July 2025
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Most outspoken were the parents of Kaylee Goncalves, who worked this week to inspire supporters to call the judge, the U.S. Department of Justice and Gov. Brad Little’s office to force Kohberger’s capital murder trial to proceed, in pursuit of a possible death sentence.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
3 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Direct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direct. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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