DIRECT Synonyms: 301 Similar and Opposite Words

direct 1 of 3

verb

də-ˈrekt

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

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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

On the day of the meeting, technical issues appear to strike and the victim is directed to a support team. —

Davey Winder, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024 Russia hikes interest rates to highs not seen in 20 years Inflation began ramping up in Russia after president Vladimir Putin directed hundreds of thousands of working age men to fight in Ukraine and marshalled Russia’s industry to support its military objectives. —

Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 28 Nov. 2024

Adjective

Given the previous lack of serious head injuries to players, the study found a direct correlation between repetitive headers and poorer verbal learning performance, suggesting even seemingly benign impacts like a header can have a profound effect on the brain. —

New Atlas, 29 Nov. 2024 Other politicians worked to create a direct and intimate connection with people in their homes. —

Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 29 Nov. 2024

Adverb

Then the skit begins to outline the story of Domingo, Marcello Hernandez’s charming home wrecker who shows up to set to record straight direct from Domingo. —

Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2024 United flies direct from Newark International Airport (EWR) to Malaga in the summer season. —

Devorah Lev-Tov, Travel + Leisure, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for direct

Recent Examples of Synonyms for direct

Verb

The Rock channels his old trash-talking persona and adds some sage wisdom for a couple of British youngsters (Florence Pugh and Jack Lowden) wanting advice on how to break into the wrestling business.

Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024
At the Academy Museum Gala on Oct. 19, Kendall channeled Old Hollywood glamour with voluminous blonde waves.

Catherine Santino, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024