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Some common synonyms of direct<\/em> are bid<\/em><\/a>, charge<\/em><\/a>, command<\/em><\/a>, enjoin<\/em><\/a>, instruct<\/em><\/a>, and order<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"to issue orders,\" direct<\/em> and instruct<\/em> both connote expectation of obedience and usually concern specific points of procedure or method, instruct<\/em> sometimes implying greater explicitness or formality.<\/p>

\/\/ directed<\/em> her assistant to hold all calls<\/p>

\/\/ the judge instructed<\/em> the jury to ignore the remark<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'bid' be a good substitute for 'direct'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms bid<\/em><\/a> and direct<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but bid<\/em> suggests giving orders peremptorily (as to children or servants).<\/p>

\/\/ she bade<\/em> him be seated<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do 'charge' and 'enjoin' relate to one another, in the sense of 'direct'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Charge<\/em><\/a> adds to enjoin<\/em><\/a> an implication of imposing as a duty or responsibility.<\/p>

\/\/ charged<\/em> by the President with a secret mission<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How are the words 'command' and 'order' related as synonyms of 'direct'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Both command<\/em><\/a> and order<\/em><\/a> imply authority and usually some degree of formality and impersonality; command<\/em> stresses official exercise of authority.<\/p>

\/\/ a general commanding<\/em> troops<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'enjoin' be a better fit than 'direct'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms enjoin<\/em><\/a> and direct<\/em> are close in meaning, enjoin<\/em> implies giving an order or direction authoritatively and urgently and often with admonition or solicitude.<\/p>

\/\/ a sign enjoining<\/em> patrons to be quiet<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'order' instead of 'direct'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While in some cases nearly identical to direct<\/em>, order<\/em><\/a> may suggest peremptory or arbitrary exercise.<\/p>

\/\/ ordered<\/em> his employees about like slaves<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does the verb 'direct' contrast with its synonyms?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Some common synonyms of direct<\/em> are bid<\/em><\/a>, charge<\/em><\/a>, command<\/em><\/a>, enjoin<\/em><\/a>, instruct<\/em><\/a>, and order<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"to issue orders,\" direct<\/em> and instruct<\/em> both connote expectation of obedience and usually concern specific points of procedure or method, instruct<\/em> sometimes implying greater explicitness or formality.<\/p>

\/\/ directed<\/em> her assistant to hold all calls<\/p>

\/\/ the judge instructed<\/em> the jury to ignore the remark<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'bid' be a good substitute for 'direct'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms bid<\/em><\/a> and direct<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but bid<\/em> suggests giving orders peremptorily (as to children or servants).<\/p>

\/\/ she bade<\/em> him be seated<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do 'charge' and 'enjoin' relate to one another, in the sense of 'direct'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Charge<\/em><\/a> adds to enjoin<\/em><\/a> an implication of imposing as a duty or responsibility.<\/p>

\/\/ charged<\/em> by the President with a secret mission<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How are the words 'command' and 'order' related as synonyms of 'direct'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Both command<\/em><\/a> and order<\/em><\/a> imply authority and usually some degree of formality and impersonality; command<\/em> stresses official exercise of authority.<\/p>

\/\/ a general commanding<\/em> troops<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'enjoin' be a better fit than 'direct'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms enjoin<\/em><\/a> and direct<\/em> are close in meaning, enjoin<\/em> implies giving an order or direction authoritatively and urgently and often with admonition or solicitude.<\/p>

\/\/ a sign enjoining<\/em> patrons to be quiet<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'order' instead of 'direct'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While in some cases nearly identical to direct<\/em>, order<\/em><\/a> may suggest peremptory or arbitrary exercise.<\/p>

\/\/ ordered<\/em> his employees about like slaves<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does the verb 'direct' contrast with its synonyms?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Some common synonyms of direct<\/em> are bid<\/em><\/a>, charge<\/em><\/a>, command<\/em><\/a>, enjoin<\/em><\/a>, instruct<\/em><\/a>, and order<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"to issue orders,\" direct<\/em> and instruct<\/em> both connote expectation of obedience and usually concern specific points of procedure or method, instruct<\/em> sometimes implying greater explicitness or formality.<\/p>

\/\/ directed<\/em> her assistant to hold all calls<\/p>

\/\/ the judge instructed<\/em> the jury to ignore the remark<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'bid' be a good substitute for 'direct'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms bid<\/em><\/a> and direct<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but bid<\/em> suggests giving orders peremptorily (as to children or servants).<\/p>

\/\/ she bade<\/em> him be seated<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do 'charge' and 'enjoin' relate to one another, in the sense of 'direct'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Charge<\/em><\/a> adds to enjoin<\/em><\/a> an implication of imposing as a duty or responsibility.<\/p>

\/\/ charged<\/em> by the President with a secret mission<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How are the words 'command' and 'order' related as synonyms of 'direct'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Both command<\/em><\/a> and order<\/em><\/a> imply authority and usually some degree of formality and impersonality; command<\/em> stresses official exercise of authority.<\/p>

\/\/ a general commanding<\/em> troops<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'enjoin' be a better fit than 'direct'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms enjoin<\/em><\/a> and direct<\/em> are close in meaning, enjoin<\/em> implies giving an order or direction authoritatively and urgently and often with admonition or solicitude.<\/p>

\/\/ a sign enjoining<\/em> patrons to be quiet<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'order' instead of 'direct'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While in some cases nearly identical to direct<\/em>, order<\/em><\/a> may suggest peremptory or arbitrary exercise.<\/p>

\/\/ ordered<\/em> his employees about like slaves<\/p>" } } ] }

direct 1 of 3

verb

dÉ™-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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in linear
free from irregularities or digressions in course this road provides the most direct route to your destination

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

direct

3 of 3

adverb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

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 horrified fisherman ran out to the street to hail the Mascotte police chief, who was directing traffic in front of a nearby elementary school. —Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026 Each time, police intervened, directing people forward until the flow recovered. —Yook Jihun, Popular Science, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Without the direct engagement afforded by broadcast, satire becomes more abstract, less pointed, and easier to ignore. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 25 Mar. 2026 This can be explained by Emery having no stylistic or direct replacement for the 23-year-old, nor do Villa tend to win matches comfortably. —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Adverb
Sarah Bradshaw, Owen Harris, Ryan Condal and Vince Gerardis also executive produce; Owen Harris and Sarah Adina Smith direct. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2026 The company’s core business model of selling direct to businesses is seen by many investors as more credible than OpenAI’s main strategy of monetizing a vast consumer user base. —Billy Perrigo, Time, 24 Feb. 2026 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
  • Fast-growing urban areas in the western United States have found ways to raise groundwater levels by tapping river water and channeling it underground.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2026
  • There were several moments like this throughout the show, as viewers took the opportunity to channel their own inner rage at people who have wronged them into Allen’s songwriting.
    — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of channel
Verb
  • He was ordered to be remanded and is due back in court on the conspiracy charge on May 4.
    — Katie Houlis, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
  • In the terms of his bond conditions, prosecutors ordered Ludwig to stay off the airport’s premises, according to the court document.
    — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of order
Verb
  • Barron, who turned 20 on March 20, also listed Mar-a-Lago as his address and requested a mail-in ballot on March 14, voter records show.
    — Josh Meyer, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Call 305-415-3896 to request a safety walk.
    — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of request
Verb
  • The additional $10 million the department is requesting would pay for two supervising attorneys, 25 attorneys, 3 senior legal analysts and one associate governmental program analyst, the request says.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 23 Mar. 2026
  • The lawsuit also claims that the city failed to properly hire, supervise, train and retain VonBank.
    — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of supervise
Verb
  • The Democratic bill, aimed at overturning new voting laws in red states, would have created a single national standard for administering elections, including expanding voting by mail.
    — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 26 Mar. 2026
  • His signature domestic policy, aimed at tightening voting rules ahead of November's midterm elections, has stalled in a Congress his party controls, while the House Republican majority is in jeopardy and the party's hold on the Senate is less certain than a year ago.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of aim
Verb
  • Big screen or home stream, takeout or dine-in, Tribune writers are here to steer you toward your next great experience.
    — Eva Remijan-Toba, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Pemberton didn’t want the score to feel especially traditional or even particularly Earth-bound, which meant steering clear of the tropes of both orchestral and electronic music.
    — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 25 Mar. 2026
Definition of steer
Adjective
  • The primary retreat anchors dual bathrooms, a private salon and an oversized dressing room.
    — Sandra Barrera, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026
  • But the May 5 Democratic primary election, which pits a progressive newcomer and a longtime political gadfly against an incumbent with strong ties to Indy Democrats, could act as a proxy for voters' feelings about the party establishment.
    — Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of primary
Adjective
  • The attempts to meet Conway were unsuccessful, prosecutors said, but added that the pair did arrange two meetings with Rubio, who is a longtime friend of Rivera's and had been an outspoken critic of the Maduro regime.
    — Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Bianco is an outspoken Trump supporter.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
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 27 Mar. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of direct for Spanish Speakers

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