DIRECT Synonyms: 301 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

direct 1 of 3

verb

də-ˈrekt

Definition of direct next

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

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

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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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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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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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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direct

2 of 3

adjective

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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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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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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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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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

Examples 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

But a recent program introduced sheepdogs, which guard the flocks from the predators and direct the cats to hunt their natural prey, reducing interactions with the gauchos. —

Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025 Bohren directed the state Department of Health Services to draft a plan for her transition to a group home with supervision subject to his approval at a hearing within 60 days. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025

Adjective

In direct response, in April 2021, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin launched a groundbreaking effort to identify and stamp out extremism in the ranks. —

Will Carless, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025 This organization provides direct support to victims, firefighters and their families. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025

Adverb

That’s about $9,000 more than a new AWD Cybertruck direct from Tesla ($99,990). —

Brooke Crothers, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024 The first option focuses on going direct towards your attackers but risks losing the ball in aerial duels. —

Ahmed Walid, The Athletic, 18 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for direct

Recent Examples of Synonyms for direct

Verb

Governments, developers and technology platforms must work together to channel foreign investments toward projects that address housing shortages.

Reza Esmaeili, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Funded by about $460 million in annual revenue from hotel room taxes and conventions, the authority is a force in local politics, channeling the influence of the gaming and tourism industry.

Daniel Rothberg, ProPublica, 8 Jan. 2025