1
as in straight
in a direct line or course
we went directly to the site without stopping to pick up extra supplies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in openly
in an honest and direct manner
the instructor deals with her art students very directly, always telling them the plain truth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in accurately
in the same words
quoted directly from the encyclopedia
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in immediately
without delay
in case of a medical emergency, do not try to contact your doctor but instead go directly to the hospital
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in shortly
at or within a short time
dinner should be ready directly
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 directly
The Category 1 seats are situated at the top of the lower deck, directly behind the goal and near one of the exits.
—
Ben Church, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026
Lynch was asked directly about the impact Simpson might have for the Rams next season.
—Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Right now, though, that shift is playing directly into Major Food Group’s strategy.
—Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
If the individual who died has a surviving spouse, your role may be limited, as most or all of the estate may transfer directly to the spouse.
—Nancy Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for directly
Ben Church, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026
Lynch was asked directly about the impact Simpson might have for the Rams next season.
—Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Right now, though, that shift is playing directly into Major Food Group’s strategy.
—Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
If the individual who died has a surviving spouse, your role may be limited, as most or all of the estate may transfer directly to the spouse.
—Nancy Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for directly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for directly
Adverb
-
Or damn near the entire overtime period, as Oettinger fended off shot after shot, the 11th one finally getting past as Matt Boldy won a puck battle in the corner, went straight to the top of the blue paint, and deflected in a Jared Spurgeon shot for the game-winner.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Messi trudged off the field quickly and headed straight to the locker room, in no mood for post-game salutations.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
The practice has surged in popularity as celebrities and pro athletes openly share their routines.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Even commentators who are openly critical have begun to borrow the same phrasing, the same rhythm, the same constant escalation.—
Atom Ariola,
Mercury News,
30 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Walks have exploded under new ABS system With the introduction of challenges, MLB had to essentially redefine the strike zone to ensure that the tracking system would consistently and accurately measure what actually is a strike or ball.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The transponders allow surface tracking systems to identify a vehicle and accurately plot it on a map displayed in the control tower, as well as sound an alarm if a collision is about to happen.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
29 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
The hit was outsourced to a hulking Estonian assassin, Imre (the Butcher) Arakas, who arrived at Dublin Airport on April 3, 2017, and was immediately tailed by officers from the An Garda Síochána’s Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, who arrested him the next day.—
Ed Caesar,
New Yorker,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Employees were immediately forced to pay about 40% of the cost of their monthly premiums.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
The Capitals scored shortly after that hit and went on to win Game 4 to claim a 3-1 series lead.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The woman was found dead in a pond not far from the home shortly after the sun came up, state police said.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
27 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
The ball slid right underneath his glove, allowing two runs to score, and Semien to end up at second.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
-
This is basically every aerophobic flier’s worst nightmare, and Harlin does a solid job of maintaining the fear factor and shock right up to the moment of Rich’s decision to dump fuel and ditch, since the nearest airport, Guam, is out of range.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
The Lebanese government sincerely wants to take control of the south and disarm and contain Hezbollah.—
Hussein Ibish,
The Atlantic,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Still, the energy around physical media continues to surge in sincerely exciting new ways.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
16 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
What that means, exactly, remains an ongoing debate.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
26 Apr. 2026
-
When Daikin Park’s jumbotron showed exactly that, Chisholm could only laugh at himself.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Directly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/directly. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
