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
Mike Jones, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
No ordinance, however, directs officers on how to respond when an administrative warrant appears in the NCIC system.
—Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026
Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 9 Jan. 2026
For starters, on January 26, Neptune, the planet of illusion and dreams, will move into Aries, the direct, competitive cardinal fire sign that’s ruled by Mars, the planet of action, energy, and war.
—Maressa Brown, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 1 Dec. 2025
This is the last time Neptune will move direct in Pisces in your lifetime, and with Saturn in the mix, you’re being asked to take your joy seriously.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 28 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for direct
Verb
Meanwhile, Harbaugh directs a resilient bunch that has overcome injuries at key positions, including their starting offensive tackles.
—Adjective
In the third quarter, revenue was up 5 percent at constant exchange as double-digit direct-to-consumer sales offset lackluster wholesale revenue.
—Adverb
How to Get There United offers direct flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Cape Town, while Delta flies direct from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for direct
Verb
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Golden Globes hair 2026 channeled silver screen elegance with movie star bobs, sculptural waves, and vintage styles owning the night.—
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Selena Gomez channeled Old Hollywood glamour in a black floor-length Chanel gown with a white feathered off-the-shoulder neckline.—
Verb
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Free for all East Side San Jose residents, folks can sign up for pick up or order home delivery, as the foundation partners with DoorDash.—
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Trump, by contrast, ordered the capture of a leader already under narcoterrorism indictment and framed it as a drug bust and accountability for crimes, yet his opponents denounce him as aspiring to kingship and dictatorship.—
Verb
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Jessica Ranucci, a lawyer in the New York Attorney General’s office, said in the Friday hearing, which was conducted by telephone, that at least four of the states had already had money delayed after requesting it.—
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With a general manager now in place, the Dolphins on Friday night called to express interest in former Ravens coach John Harbaugh and also requested interviews with three NFL assistant coaches, according to league sources.—
Verb
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Taking calcium and vitamin D together is generally safe and helps support bone health when supervised by a doctor.—
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He will be supervised for five years, in line with his six-year 2023 sentence.—
Verb
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Zelenskyy said that Russia was aiming to take advantage of the frigid weather in the capital, which made roads and streets icy.—
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According to a source, the Cowboys are aiming to get two of the interviews completed Friday.—
Verb
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Witnesses and local leaders have contradicted that claim, saying Good was trying to leave and steering away from the agent.—
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Pink and black, a similar color pairing, is one that Gage urges steering clear of in this day and age.—
Adjective
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If the recovering addicts’ primary task was to filter out women who wouldn’t qualify to sue—namely, those who didn’t have pelvic mesh or who did but weren’t in pain—Blake’s was to amp up the value of their lawsuits (and attorneys’ fees) by convincing them to have their mesh surgically removed.—
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The other available Heat players who were out of the primary rotation Saturday were Keshad Johnson, Simone Fontecchio, Kasparas Jakucionis and Myron Gardner.—
Adjective
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Then there’s reality TV star Spencer Pratt, an outspoken Bass critic, who launched a campaign rooted in his fury over the city’s handling of the fire — and the loss of his family’s home in the flames.—
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The outspoken auteur, considered one of Iranian cinema’s greatest living masters, is still in the crosshairs of the government known as the Islamic Republic of Iran.—
Cite this Entry
“Direct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direct. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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