direct 1 of 3

verb

də-ˈrekt How to pronounce direct (audio)
Definition of directnext
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

direct

2 of 3

adjective

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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direct

3 of 3

adverb

as in straight
in a direct line or course flew direct to the coast

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb direct contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of direct are bid, charge, command, enjoin, instruct, and order. While all these words mean "to issue orders," direct and instruct both connote expectation of obedience and usually concern specific points of procedure or method, instruct sometimes implying greater explicitness or formality.

directed her assistant to hold all calls
the judge instructed the jury to ignore the remark

When would bid be a good substitute for direct?

The synonyms bid and direct are sometimes interchangeable, but bid suggests giving orders peremptorily (as to children or servants).

she bade him be seated

How do charge and enjoin relate to one another, in the sense of direct?

Charge adds to enjoin an implication of imposing as a duty or responsibility.

charged by the President with a secret mission

How are the words command and order related as synonyms of direct?

Both command and order imply authority and usually some degree of formality and impersonality; command stresses official exercise of authority.

a general commanding troops

When might enjoin be a better fit than direct?

While the synonyms enjoin and direct are close in meaning, enjoin implies giving an order or direction authoritatively and urgently and often with admonition or solicitude.

a sign enjoining patrons to be quiet

When is it sensible to use order instead of direct?

While in some cases nearly identical to direct, order may suggest peremptory or arbitrary exercise.

ordered his employees about like slaves

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 direct
Verb
The film, directed by Cody Jarrett and in the works since 2017, is narrated by Margaret Cho and includes interviews with John Waters, Dita Von Teese, Pamela Des Barres, Ted V. Mikels, original FPKK and Russ Meyer cast members and Satana’s two daughters. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 21 July 2025 Authentic Indian Collaboration, Not Cultural Appropriation Shot in Mumbai and creatively directed by Indiana Vos, Songs of Siren's latest campaign serves as a vibrant love letter to India's rich textile traditions. —Pooja Shah, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Adjective
Still, the collaboration with Redwood Materials to deploy energy storage systems does not put it in direct competition with its joint venture partner. —Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 22 July 2025 It's been said that Princess Anne inherited much of her father's direct disposition, and the late Duke of Edinburgh retired from public life in August 2017, just a few weeks after his 96th birthday. —Janine Henni, People.com, 21 July 2025
Adverb
The fire is now 75% contained and crews continue to make good progress going direct on the fires edge. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2025 Eligible taxpayers will receive a letter notifying them of the payment, and the payments will either be automatically direct deposited or sent by paper check. —Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for direct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for direct
  1. channel
  2. order
  3. request
  4. supervise
  5. aim
  6. steer
  7. primary
  8. outspoken
Verb
  • Allow your ideas and insights to be channeled into tangible aspects of your life.
    — Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The siblings last summer split their personal properties and shares in the company, a total of almost 62 percent, channeling them into their own respective holdings.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of channel
Verb
  • After being found not guilty, a judge ordered him committed to the Center for Forensic Psychiatry in Saline for a period of at most 60 days.
    — Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 29 July 2025
  • Beth Mead, having lost her footing and touched the ball twice while converting the initial penalty, was ordered to retake it (a legacy of the furore involving Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last season).
    — Phil Hay, New York Times, 28 July 2025
Definition of order
Verb
  • Law enforcement determined the child is not a runaway, and a custody dispute is not the sole reason for requesting an activation.
    — Wren Smetana, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
  • The fee applies to Form I-131, used to request travel documents such as advance parole, and Form I-765, the application for employment authorization.
    — Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
Definition of request
Verb
  • Creator Matt Groening was joined by Cohen, as well as executive producers Claudia Katz and Ken Keeler, supervising director Peter Avanzino, and Futurama stars Billy West (Fry, the Professor, Zoidberg), Lauren Tom (Amy), Phil LaMarr (Hermes), David Herman (Scruffy) and Maurice LaMarche (Kif).
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 26 July 2025
  • Under the new rules, the cultivation of medical cannabis will be supervised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, while processing, export, licensing, registration, and authorization for sale will fall under the oversight of the Ministry of Health.
    — Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of supervise
Verb
  • Beyond that, Davis aims to beat the averages by astute management of the land.
    — William Baldwin, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • President Donald Trump imposed sweeping new tariffs on imports from across the world, escalating an aggressive trade policy aimed at spurring domestic manufacturing in the United States.
    — Medora Lee, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of aim
Verb
  • If price is what steered you away from investing in the Colorsoft, the new, cheaper base model might be your perfect Kindle.
    — Nena Farrell, Wired News, 24 July 2025
  • Others avoid red wines to steer clear of hangover-inducing tannins.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 July 2025
Definition of steer
Adjective
  • No, corn sweat is not the primary cause behind the heat wave Cincinnati is experiencing this week.
    — Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 24 July 2025
  • Last month’s mayoral primary election showed New Yorkers want their leaders to commit to bold transformative ideas.
    — Tony Simone, New York Daily News, 23 July 2025
Definition of primary
Adjective
  • Being outspoken is even better, and with cord-cutting wreaking havoc on TV viewing, traditional TV players that used to develop their talent in house are increasingly turning to outsiders to help give them relevance to an audience that might otherwise bypass their content.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2025
  • A week later, following speculation by critics and outspoken celebrities that this was a politically motivated move, Paramount obtained FCC approval for an $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media.
    — KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 30 July 2025
Definition of outspoken

Browse Nearby Words

dire
direct
directed
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Cite this Entry

“Direct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direct. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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