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

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

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
After several years in repertory theater, Marsh arrived on Broadway in 1959, appearing as Hero opposite Gielgud (who also directed) on Broadway in Much Ado About Nothing. —Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 13 Apr. 2025 The man directing thousands of marchers with a bullhorn in downtown San José on April 5 was another tech worker who would not give his full name for fear of being identified by Trump backers. —Nicholas Riccardi, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Military schools are under the direct control of the administration, which allows for implementation of these changes at a much quicker rate. —Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2025 That’s because, in addition to the direct support to local stations, the nationwide system provides for satellite connections, content management platforms and even music licenses. —Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 2025
Adverb
More importantly, with Mars stationing direct on Feb. 23, expect an increase in momentum, specifically in your relationships, collaborations and contractual agreements. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Feb. 2025 Mars’ shift direct in Cancer on February 23 brings clarity to your partnerships, whether romantic or professional. —Dossé-Via Trenou, refinery29.com, 28 Jan. 2025 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
  • His wife is played by Chloe Fineman, channeling Parker Posey and her popular take on the North Carolina accent.
    — Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • That will be followed by Wednesday’s return leg against Arsenal, a fixture which will require Mbappe to channel his inner 2021-22 Karim Benzema.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of channel
Verb
  • The shift comes after reports that the cuts were ordered by Jeremy Lewin, a close ally of Elon Musk, who now oversees USAID under Musk's Department of Government Efficiency.
    — Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Robert King, 35, who was charged with transmitting interstate threats in federal court on Monday, was ordered to stay in detention by U.S. Magistrate Judge Renee Toliver after a hearing in Dallas on Wednesday afternoon, Fox News confirmed.
    — Elizabeth Pritchett, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of order
Verb
  • As his May 5 trial looms, Combes earlier this week requested a postponement of the legal proceeding.
    — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • This casserole is creamy, cheesy, and is one the whole family (especially the grandkids) request time after time.
    — Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of request
Verb
  • Nutley directed academic services at St. Xavier, and supervised a program aimed at helping teens who were struggling academically, according to court documents obtained by TMZ.
    — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Shapiro supervises them all, on both scientific and ethical matters.
    — D. T. Max, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of supervise
Verb
  • The Culture community aimed at creating equitable business pathways for Black and Brown professionals.
    — Brianne Garrett, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, theoretically aimed at matching the fees other countries charge for U.S. shipments to their countries, included a minimum 10% fee and additional charges of up to 50% on more than 50 nations.
    — Paul Davidson, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of aim
Verb
  • Trump has steered the White House toward a rapprochement with the Kremlin, monitored with apprehension by most of the U.S.' allies and many domestic lawmakers.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
  • But those launches are usually accompanied by airspace and maritime warning notices to ensure pilots and sailors steer clear of the test.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of steer
Adjective
  • The port has a heavy military presence in addition to being a primary hub for fuel imports, Yemeni sources said.
    — USA Today, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Some of these storms could be severe, with hail and damaging winds as the primary threats.
    — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of primary
Adjective
  • The outspoken mother, who has clashed with Rock in the past, quickly went on to reiterate her desire for Blueface to enter a relationship with rap star Megan Thee Stallion, a hope that she’s expressed on previous occasions.
    — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • But several of the most outspoken opponents of the Senate resolution said they either weren't invited to the meeting or declined to attend.
    — Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of outspoken

Browse Nearby Words

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directed
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Cite this Entry

“Direct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direct. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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