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
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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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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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as in straight
in a direct line or course
flew direct to the coast
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of direct
Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 22 May 2025
Set for theatrical release in 2026, Phantom is directed by D-Day founder Lester Hsi (The Bridge Curse, The Bridge Curse: Ritual).
—Sara Merican, Deadline, 22 May 2025
Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
There were some such stories, though—and from the earliest days of his Presidency, journalists consistently demanded more direct access to Biden, who, compared to his recent predecessors, did few formal interviews or press conferences.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 23 Dec. 2024
Eligible taxpayers would have also received a letter notifying them of the payment, and the payments were either automatically direct deposited or sent by paper check.
—Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for direct
Verb
The Scrubs revival has been in the works for several months from the show's original creator, Bill Lawrence, who went on to oversee hit series like Ted Lasso and Shrinking (both of which Braff has directed episodes of) .
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 22 May 2025
Set for theatrical release in 2026, Phantom is directed by D-Day founder Lester Hsi (The Bridge Curse, The Bridge Curse: Ritual).
—Sara Merican, Deadline, 22 May 2025
Adjective
Steiner serves on the board of FedEx, a direct USPS competitor.
—Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
There were some such stories, though—and from the earliest days of his Presidency, journalists consistently demanded more direct access to Biden, who, compared to his recent predecessors, did few formal interviews or press conferences.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
Adverb
The payments will be automatically direct deposited or sent by paper check.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 23 Dec. 2024
Eligible taxpayers would have also received a letter notifying them of the payment, and the payments were either automatically direct deposited or sent by paper check.
—Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for direct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for direct
Verb
-
Rihanna seemed to channel her own character for her dress inspo, as the Smurfs actress wore a beautiful blue tie-neck halter gown, which, similar to Tuesday's dress, also donned cutouts at her midriff.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
21 May 2025
-
Blythe and Grey Blythe and Grey channeled the feel of the Italian Riviera when designing the patio of a Spanish-style Phoenix home built in the 1940s.—
Elizabeth Stamp,
Architectural Digest,
20 May 2025
Verb
-
Studios and streamers also aren't ordering as many shows these days.—
Mandalit del Barco,
NPR,
17 May 2025
-
Bronx Criminal Court Judge Audrey Stone on Wednesday ordered that Jeremy Cortorreal spend the next two decades behind bars for killing Lisette Gomez back on March 21, 2023.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
17 May 2025
Verb
-
That’s how Phil Robertson, who found fame and fortune through his hunting-business empire and some controversy but also popularity for his outspoken religious and political beliefs, requested people respond to his death.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
26 May 2025
-
Prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York wrote to the judge requesting the man be incarcerated before trial.—
Evan Mealins,
USA Today,
25 May 2025
Verb
-
In 2023, Florida ended a more than two-decade experiment that saw child protective investigators employed and supervised by sheriff’s offices in seven counties, including Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco.—
Christopher O’Donnell,
Miami Herald,
17 May 2025
-
Over half of the meteorology positions the weather service is trying to fill are for lead meteorologist or more senior positions, including five meteorologists who supervise the forecast offices.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
Verb
-
New facilities such as the Katie Blessing Center and the Smith Family Behavioral Health Urgent Care aim to provide more places for people in need of care to go.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
21 May 2025
-
House aims to pass tax bill this week: What's in Trump's tax bill?—
Bailey Schulz,
USA Today,
21 May 2025
Verb
-
Otherwise, Parkinson has steered clear of borrowing players from elsewhere, focusing instead on permanent signings.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
-
Launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2016, the plan steers the Kingdom from reliance on oil to become a global leader in such sectors as technology, entertainment and tourism.—
R. Daniel Foster,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Adjective
-
There are two primary types of retail pharmacies: chain pharmacies, which are operated by larger companies, and independent pharmacies, which are often locally owned.—
Lucas Dufalla,
Arkansas Online,
24 May 2025
-
David Hogg, a Democratic National Committee vice chairman, has elevated his national profile but risked his standing in the DNC for promising to primary older incumbents in Congress.—
Naomi Lim,
The Washington Examiner,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
Marjorie Taylor Greene Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, an outspoken critic of Biden and Democrats, expressed sympathy for the former President and his family after the diagnosis was revealed.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
19 May 2025
-
Another singles match will see the tough Sheamus go one-on-one with the outspoken Grayson Waller.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Direct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direct. Accessed 30 May. 2025.
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