1
2
3
as in compass
a guiding or motivating purpose or principle a life that seemed to lack any direction other than the mindless pursuit of empty pleasures

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in trend
a prevailing or general movement or inclination some older people worry about the overall direction that political discourse has taken lately

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of direction Two lanes in each direction, except for a 25 mph speed limit at construction work zones, opened on the iconic Southern California highway before 9 a.m. on May 23. Terry Collins, USA Today, 25 May 2025 Dilley was also nominated for best art direction for Alien, The Empire Strikes Back and The Abyss. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025 The next day, it was reported that the crane flew east and was last sighted on the southeast shore of the Lake Sammamish State Park, then flew in the direction of the boat launch. / Cbs News, CBS News, 24 May 2025 Democrats lost the White House, Senate, and House, creating uncertainty about the party's future direction and leadership. Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for direction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for direction
Noun
  • Clear instructions are included, no tools are required and this should be a five or 10 minute exercise that only needs to be done once.
    Brad Moon, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • The star — who is also a dad to daughters Della Rose Joel, 9, and Remy Anne Joel, 7, with wife Alexis Roderick — is undergoing specific physical therapy under his doctor's instructions.
    Nicholas Rice, People.com, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • Leveraging a robust background in HR leadership, Josh previously directed transformative talent practices at Red Ventures as vice president of people operations, leading talent management, HR business partner, talent acquisition, and M&A integration during his tenure.
    Josh Tarr, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Mizrahi, who heads management and promotion company OCESA-Seitrack, oversees Sanz’s international management and business, while Zabala, who is also a musician, handles his recording career and creative output.
    Leila Cobo, Billboard, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • However, these trips weren’t undertaken with the aid of a compass, sextant, or even a map.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 May 2025
  • That’s when values step in as your internal compass.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • Does the trend toward later retirement bode well or ill for American society?
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Try the trend with this silky animal print blouse, which has a V-neckline and long sleeves with elasticized cuffs.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • View the official order and corresponding map here.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025
  • SpaceX got the official launch order on March 7, meaning all the prep work was completed in less than three months.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Kennedy, a vaccine skeptic, has also supported the use of vitamin A under the supervision of a physician to treat people with measles, creating concerns among health experts who have cautioned about the vitamin’s effectiveness.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • The first was distilled in 1960 under the supervision of Suntory founder Shinjiro Torii, according to the brand (which alone makes this whisky stand out), and aged in Japanese mizunara oak barrels.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Jason Clement, the founding partner and CEO of SFC, said that while the NHL, USA Hockey and others have done a great job in turning the tide against the participation slide, rinks in the U.S. and Canada aren’t meeting the moment just yet.
    Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 22 May 2025
  • Trump is eager to reverse the tide of Democrats routinely outraising GOP candidates and wants to maximize his own impact as president.
    Jill Colvin, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • Gary Councilwoman Lori Lathan, newly appointed to the commission, kick-started a discussion of how the agency can continue to push for things like air quality improvement without referring to climate change or otherwise running afoul of Trump’s edicts.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 18 May 2025
  • Despite Newsom’s edict, Bass didn’t appear ready to throw in the towel.
    Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Direction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direction. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on direction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!