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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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as in straight
in a direct line or course
flew direct to the coast
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of direct
Lauren Morganbesser,
semafor.com,
1 July 2026
Sheridan directed 2011's Vile before moving into writing with 2015's Sicario, starring Emily Blunt, Benicio de Toro and Josh Brolin.
—
Victoria Edel,
PEOPLE,
1 July 2026
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
30 June 2026
Today, direct-to-device communications, proliferated constellations, orbital data centers and autonomous satellite operations are moving critical parts of our digital infrastructure into space.
—
Charles Beames,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
Jason Stauffer,
CNBC,
26 June 2026
Our idea — that creators could get paid by selling direct to fans, rather than by advertisers — was sound.
—
Joel Morris,
Fortune,
23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for direct
Verb
Asked about the status of federal funding for LA28 transportation projects, the Department of Transportation directed Semafor to previous remarks Duffy has made about the Olympics.
—
Lauren Morganbesser,
semafor.com,
1 July 2026
Sheridan directed 2011's Vile before moving into writing with 2015's Sicario, starring Emily Blunt, Benicio de Toro and Josh Brolin.
—
Victoria Edel,
PEOPLE,
1 July 2026
Adjective
There’s the direct hit to worker productivity just as there is to the logistics chain.
—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
30 June 2026
Today, direct-to-device communications, proliferated constellations, orbital data centers and autonomous satellite operations are moving critical parts of our digital infrastructure into space.
—
Charles Beames,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
Adverb
Earn 4x points on flights & hotels booked direct.
—
Jason Stauffer,
CNBC,
26 June 2026
Our idea — that creators could get paid by selling direct to fans, rather than by advertisers — was sound.
—
Joel Morris,
Fortune,
23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for direct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for direct
Verb
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And as any great author would do, the Edgar Award-winning writer channeled the encounter for her book.
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The government has established major aid-collection centers at La Carlota in Caracas and Almacenadora Caracas in Catia, urging citizens to channel donations through official distribution networks to avoid logistical bottlenecks.
Verb
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The spacecraft will then be ordered to slowly approach and survey Swift before grabbing the observatory with its robotic arms and slowly raising the orbit to nearly 370 miles.
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Larger versions serving 10 to 12 guests can also be ordered for private celebrations.
Verb
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The Ohio Supreme Court has denied Mackenzie Shirilla's appeal requesting a new trial after she was convicted of murder in 2022.
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Around the same time, PennLive reporter Jenna Wise requested three autopsy reports related to a 2025 crime spree from Susquehanna County Coroner Jessica Chiaramonte.
Verb
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That enables Cadence’s system, which is supervised by physicians, to alert a clinician when a patient is deteriorating before a stroke or heart attack, for example.
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Judge Stacy Street sentenced Beckwith to three years supervised probation, the court clerk confirmed to USA TODAY.
Verb
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That's significant because the nonprofit aims to reduce the stigma of mental health disorders, especially among Asian American families.
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Taiwan’s ongoing military drills are aimed at boosting the island’s combat readiness in case of a Chinese military attack.
Verb
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The jet stream is a highway of air at high altitudes which steers weather systems.
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This spring, Russert received a call from leadership at MS NOW, steered by former CNN executive Rebecca Kutler.
Adjective
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Roughly two-thirds of American households own their primary residence, according to the Federal Survey of Consumer Finances from 2022, the most recent edition.
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The capacity of the primary viewing area at the Washington Monument is set at about 150,000, according to Secret Service Special Agent in Charge David Yamen, who runs the agency's dignitary protective division.
Adjective
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During the primary the two contenders agreed on most issues, but Valdez argued throughout the campaign that Reynoso wasn't outspoken enough.
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Jackie and Shadow became internet sensations thanks to the live webcams maintained in their nest by nonprofit organization Friends of Big Bear Valley, which is an outspoken voice for conserving eagle habitat.
Cite this Entry
“Direct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direct. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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