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
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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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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of direct
Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Jones directed a sergeant to expand Meiner’s security detail but did not explicitly call for officers to visit Pacheco’s home.
—Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026
Joe Otterson, Variety, 11 Feb. 2026
District officials say if the bond fails to pass, its more than 28,000 students will feel a direct impact.
—Kendrick Calfee
february 11, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2026
Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 20 Jan. 2026
The key question is whether Rosenior can speed up Chelsea’s circulation and decision-making to cut out the giveaways against a side built to go direct, play very few passes in their own half, and punish transitions.
—Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for direct
Verb
The company’s last name change followed years of scrutiny and government enforcement directed toward for-profit colleges.
—Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Jones directed a sergeant to expand Meiner’s security detail but did not explicitly call for officers to visit Pacheco’s home.
—Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Under the deal, Schaeffer will develop, write, executive produce, and direct original series for Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 11 Feb. 2026
District officials say if the bond fails to pass, its more than 28,000 students will feel a direct impact.
—Kendrick Calfee
february 11, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2026
Adverb
In addition to the new route, United also flies direct from BDL to Chicago, Denver and Washington, DC.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 20 Jan. 2026
The key question is whether Rosenior can speed up Chelsea’s circulation and decision-making to cut out the giveaways against a side built to go direct, play very few passes in their own half, and punish transitions.
—Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for direct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for direct
Verb
-
These sets elevate the bedtime routine, channeling your inner Hugh Hefner while keeping you cool and relaxed.—
John Monaco,
InStyle,
7 Feb. 2026
-
And then channel four news team assemble!—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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After more than a week at the Dilley center, the preschooler and his Ecuadorian father are back home in Minneapolis after a judge ordered them to be released.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
8 Feb. 2026
-
What sets Luckin apart has been its ability to build a robust pool of private user traffic through its smartphone ordering app, said Mingchao Xiao, founder of Zhimeng Trends Consulting.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Latvia skeleton coach Ivo Steinbergs told Reuters that a protest has been sent by his federation to the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) requesting Heraskevych’s reinstatement.—
Amanda Davies,
CNN Money,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Braner requested deeper dives on the punishment that Rady is likely to face if forced to resume gender care, on which other hospitals in California have taken similar actions, and on the specific status of young patients affected by the program’s sudden shutdown.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Caring for a betta can help kids learn responsibility, routine, and empathy when adults guide and supervise the process.—
Sierra Leone Starks,
Parents,
10 Feb. 2026
-
These workers keep companies running smoothly, often supervising multiple teams, the report says.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The company aims to maintain production continuity to assist workers with repetitive, physically demanding tasks while upholding quality and safety standards.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Feb. 2026
-
While the rest of the Orlando locker room will take some time off during the week-long break to prepare for the final stretch of the regular season, Richardson will be out west aiming to live up to the dunk contest legacy of his father.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Harris said sentiment, liquidity and narrative were the dominant forces steering the market.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Foran was tapped to take the wheel, and steer the conglomerate back on course.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The Gates Foundation and OpenAI have launched a $50 million program to bring AI capabilities to 1,000 primary health care clinics across Africa.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The Amazon-like company has been subjected to a number of investigations, raids, and inspections initiated by the Korea Fair Trade Commission, the country’s primary antitrust regulator, in recent years.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Aside from suave showmanship and feel-good Latin rhythms, the outspoken singer paid tribute to his Latino heritage and Puerto Rican history during his performance.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Beijing’s national security law has transformed Hong Kong, with authorities jailing dozens of dissidents; forcing civil society groups and outspoken media outlets to disband; and neutering the city’s once-raucous political scene.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Direct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direct. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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