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as in compass
a guiding or motivating purpose or principle a life that seemed to lack any direction other than the mindless pursuit of empty pleasures

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in trend
a prevailing or general movement or inclination some older people worry about the overall direction that political discourse has taken lately

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 direction Cosmic rays bounce across the universe in all directions, meaning Earth is bombarded from all sides by trillions of them. Robert Lea, Space.com, 25 July 2025 They’re mostly arranged in bundles that tend to run in a dominant direction, depending on the body part. New Atlas, 24 July 2025 This 'documentary' paints so much and so many in a derogatory and sensationalized way because sadly that's the direction of entertainment these days. Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 24 July 2025 They’re then added into the mascarpone mixture one spoonful at a time, while stirring gently in the same direction to achieve a consistent light and airy texture. Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for direction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for direction
Noun
  • Opt-in systems are most effective when paired with instruction about disasters and how to respond to warnings, Sellnow said, making education a crucial responsibility of local governments.
    Bayliss Wagner, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • Proponents of cursive instruction point to studies that indicate cursive instruction can help students improve memory and information retention, versus taking notes on a computer.
    Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • McGann had previously been placed on administrative leave from a Texas school district for concerns about his classroom management.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Integrated platforms promise simplified vendor management, better security outcomes, and potentially lower total costs.
    Steve McDowell, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • His left arm features elaborate artwork of a giant ship, a compass, a lighthouse and a map of South America.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Leaders who cling to the illusion of long-term predictability will be outmaneuvered by those who treat strategy not as a map but as a compass.
    Rupesh Dabbir, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • There's one challenge in introducing spicy items: Gen Z and Gen Alpha tend to move on from trends quickly.
    Krysta Escobar, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2025
  • The upward trend could suggest that investors are increasingly confident the final tariff agreements won’t weigh on the economy as heavily as once feared, but following the employment report Friday all three major U.S. index fell more than 1%.
    Jim Sergent, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In compliance with the federal order, the district began busing Black students across town to primarily white schools.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Buy an order of Boneless Wings or Classic Bone-In Wings and get a second order for free with to-go or delivery through Applebees.com or the Applebee’s app, Use promo code WINGDAY25 at checkout..
    Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • He would be released under the supervision of the U.S. Pretrial Services Agency and would surrender his passport.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2025
  • Other malls in the south suburbs have implemented similar protocols, such as Chicago Ridge Mall’s youth supervision policy, which was extended in December 2024 when a prank noise that sounded like gunfire led to a mall evacuation.
    Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Trying to stop it is like ordering the tides to stop.
    Matt O'Brien, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025
  • The job market is constantly shifting for Gen Z, and many of them are tired of trying to navigate the rising tides of change.
    Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • The new order replaces a previous edict handed down by U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Boston last week.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 28 July 2025
  • What is your take on this situation? – Tired of It All Dear Tired: Your son’s edict about his ex’s name is too extreme.
    R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Direction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direction. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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