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

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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

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 order called for the immediate release of those currently in prison and directed the attorney general to dismiss all pending cases. —

Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2025 On his first day back, Trump declared a national energy emergency, directing agencies to use any emergency powers available to boost oil and gas production, despite U.S. oil and gas production already being near record highs and leading the world. —

Joe Árvai, The Conversation, 22 Jan. 2025

Adjective

When asked about potential water supply issues, Kelliher said crews are fortunate to have direct access to Castaic Lake and other nearby reservoirs for their firefighting efforts. —

Brandon Miller, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025 Photo : Legendary Productions The both the kitchen and the living room have direct terrace access. —

Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 23 Jan. 2025

Adverb

Their most fruitful answer seemed to be, ‘Go direct towards Mohamed Salah‘, with the movements of Dominik Szoboszlai and Diogo Jota manipulating Ipswich’s man-to-man marking. —

Ahmed Walid, The Athletic, 18 Aug. 2024 Why longer flights can be cheaper Zaman explained why some connecting — and thus longer — flights are cheaper than flying direct. —

Marylou Costa, Contributor, CNBC, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for direct

Recent Examples of Synonyms for direct

Verb

An arctic air mass sprawling across the eastern, central and parts of the western U.S. on Monday will channel temperatures 20-30 degrees below already historically cold January averages and was poised to slam parts of the South with a disruptive winter storm.

— John Bacon, USA TODAY, 20 Jan. 2025
Rather than spending extra money on non-essentials, channel your resources into assets that generate long-term value, such as stocks, retirement accounts, or real estate.

— True Tamplin, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025