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
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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
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4
as in to supervise
to look after and make decisions about
the music teacher directs both the student orchestra and the marching band
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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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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
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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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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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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of direct
Dave Quinn, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
The 2016 film stars Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in a charming musical flick written and directed by Damien Chazelle.
—Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 21 Mar. 2025
Researchers found a direct correlation between maternal depression and children's overeating.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2024
To cater to the demand, many airlines now fly direct from major American cities to Rome at an affordable price.
—Anna Haines, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for direct
Verb
The production is directed by Tony Award winner David Cromer (The Band's Visit), also represented this season with the new musical Dead Outlaw.
—Adjective
The Pohlad family, best known as the owners of MLB’s Minnesota Twins, needed a chief investment officer to oversee their vast portfolio, spanning public equities and direct investments in healthtech and manufacturing.
—Adverb
Alaska flies direct to Jackson Hole from several West Coast cities, including Seattle, San Francisco, and San Diego.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for direct
Verb
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Alternatively, certain areas might be mined to block them off, channeling attacks into avenues covered by anti-tank guns.—
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There is a cosmic green force that is channeled by Sleepy and certain other characters.—
Verb
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On Friday, a federal judge halted plans to fire more than 1,200 journalists, engineers and other staff who were sidelined after Trump ordered a funding cut.—
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Each of the drug lords was sentenced to 40 years in Mexican prison, though a judge ordered Caro Quintero released in 2013 on a technicality.—
Verb
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The group claims that the Trump administration's recordkeeping practices are inadequate and arbitrary, requesting federal courts to enforce better recordkeeping procedures.—
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One leader in the immigrant rights community, who is based in New York City and requested to remain anonymous to speak freely about what the immigrant community is seeing, said the messaging has prompted some people in her region to self-deport.—
Verb
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By strictly supervising the pasteurization process, Evangelina ensured that no infants would die due to tainted milk supplies.—
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Among the film’s interviewees are two former nuns at the school and the abbot who supervised several of the priests accused of rape and murder.—
Verb
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Moments later, prosecutors said during a bench trial this week, the two men aimed their guns, then fired.—
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Musk stated that the merger aims to combine xAI's advanced AI capabilities with X's extensive user base, enhancing user experiences and accelerating technological progress.—
Verb
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The relocation will steer the festival toward a new era.—
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In 1942, current Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D-CA) grandfather, William Newsom, steered Pat Brown’s campaign for district attorney.—
Adjective
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His primary motive in life is to make money and get laid.—
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Mulgrew began his career at Glentoran, Linfield’s primary Belfast rivals.—
Adjective
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On the state level, Maine officials have been the most outspoken over the refusal to comply with the federal law, resulting in a back-and-forth between the state and the Trump administration.—
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In a climate overcrowded with tiresome discourse, these seven Black women are carving their own lanes by being unapologetically outspoken, insightful and honest—and doing it with flair.—
Cite this Entry
“Direct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direct. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.
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