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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in straightforward

going straight to the point clearly and firmly clear and direct instructions that left no room for misinterpretation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in linear

free from irregularities or digressions in course this road provides the most direct route to your destination

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

direct

3 of 3

adverb

as in straight

in a direct line or course flew direct to the coast

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 power of the purse Another law under pressure is the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, a response to Nixon's refusal to spend funds as directed by Congress. —

Tamara Keith, NPR, 15 Feb. 2025 Trump did not immediately put tariffs in place, but directed trade officials to go country by country and put together a slate of counter measures. —

Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025

Adjective

Driving the news: Trump left NATO and Ukraine still reeling with his initiation of direct peace talks with Russia, without Ukraine fully in the loop or other European leaders even in the conversation. —

Zachary Basu, Axios, 15 Feb. 2025 Antonio Gaines, president of HUD Council 222 of the American Federation of Government Employees, was told of these targets by three officials with direct knowledge of them, but who also declined to be named for fear of retribution. —

Laurel Wamsley, NPR, 14 Feb. 2025

Adverb

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. —

Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025 Tensions continue to rise mid-month with Pluto stationing direct on Oct. 11, activating your eighth house of intimate unions and shared resources. —

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for direct

Recent Examples of Synonyms for direct

Verb

Instead of attempting to channel the Oakland icon by outscoring the Wildcats in a high-tempo affair with the Oakland Athletic League title on the line, Oakland Tech gritted out a stop-and-start 60-50 victory on Wednesday night.

— Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2025
Styled by Ib Kamara and lensed by Steven Meisel, the pop star channeled the pin-up styles of Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe and Madonna.

— Catherine Santino, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025