direct 1 of 3

verb

də-ˈrekt How to pronounce direct (audio)
Definition of directnext
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

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

direct

2 of 3

adjective

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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direct

3 of 3

adverb

as in straight
in a direct line or course flew direct to the coast

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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 production is directed by Tony Award winner David Cromer (The Band's Visit), also represented this season with the new musical Dead Outlaw. —Dave Quinn, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025 The 2016 film stars Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in a charming musical flick written and directed by Damien Chazelle. —Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
In a reference to Loomer, Himes cited public reporting, suggesting that the high-profile firings were the direct result of Loomer. —Josh Meyer, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025 And Netflix, YouTube and Prime Video have direct launch buttons on the Bluetooth remote. —New Atlas, 4 Apr. 2025
Adverb
While this journey will unfold over the course of this year, Mars stationing direct on February 23 will strengthen your connection to your intuition, gearing you up for openness and forgiveness as the year wears on. —Roya Backlund, StyleCaster, 23 Dec. 2024 Royal Jordanian, which is the national carrier of the country and also a part of Oneworld Alliance, flies direct to Amman from several major U.S. cities, including New York City, Detroit, and Chicago. —Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 21 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for direct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for direct
  1. channel
  2. order
  3. request
  4. supervise
  5. aim
  6. steer
  7. primary
  8. outspoken
Verb
  • Alternatively, certain areas might be mined to block them off, channeling attacks into avenues covered by anti-tank guns.
    — David Hambling, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • There is a cosmic green force that is channeled by Sleepy and certain other characters.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of channel
Verb
  • On Friday, a federal judge halted plans to fire more than 1,200 journalists, engineers and other staff who were sidelined after Trump ordered a funding cut.
    — Calvin Woodward, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Each of the drug lords was sentenced to 40 years in Mexican prison, though a judge ordered Caro Quintero released in 2013 on a technicality.
    — Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
Definition of order
Verb
  • After requesting and being granted his release from the Professional Fighters League, Pitbull signed with the UFC and has landed a major fight on one of the year’s biggest cards.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The prosecution requested that they be addressed using pseudonyms during trial.
    — Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of request
Verb
  • Among the film’s interviewees are two former nuns at the school and the abbot who supervised several of the priests accused of rape and murder.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2025
  • By strictly supervising the pasteurization process, Evangelina ensured that no infants would die due to tainted milk supplies.
    — Laura Gómez, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of supervise
Verb
  • The American Federation of Teachers, with 1.8 million members the nation's second largest teachers union, is part of a lawsuit aimed at blocking the department's recent civil rights guidelines.
    — Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Musk stated that the merger aims to combine xAI's advanced AI capabilities with X's extensive user base, enhancing user experiences and accelerating technological progress.
    — Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of aim
Verb
  • In 1942, current Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D-CA) grandfather, William Newsom, steered Pat Brown’s campaign for district attorney.
    — Carson Becker, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The relocation will steer the festival toward a new era.
    — Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of steer
Adjective
  • Algeria’s western neighbor and primary rival, Morocco, also received its first batch of Akinci drones in February 2025.
    — Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • As the cool new kid in town, his Tommy Oliver was transformed into one of the core team of rangers' (Amy Jo Johnson, David Yost, Austin St. John, Walter Emanuel Jones, and Thuy Trang) primary adversaries: the fearsome Green Ranger.
    — Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of primary
Adjective
  • In a climate overcrowded with tiresome discourse, these seven Black women are carving their own lanes by being unapologetically outspoken, insightful and honest—and doing it with flair.
    — Essence, Essence, 28 Mar. 2025
  • On the state level, Maine officials have been the most outspoken over the refusal to comply with the federal law, resulting in a back-and-forth between the state and the Trump administration.
    — Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of outspoken

Browse Nearby Words

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direct
directed
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Cite this Entry

“Direct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direct. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

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