Direct (to)

Published by Naitik Mehta · March 31, 2026

Stuck on the clue Direct (to) from the New York Times Daily for March 31, 2026? We have the correct 5-letter answer, including the definition, alternative hints, as well as other answers from the same crossword. Ready to learn more about this clue?

Clue

Direct (to) (5)

Answer

R
E
F
E
R

The answer to Direct (to) is Refer (5 letters).

Why does Refer fit this clue?

This is a direct definition clue where 'Direct (to)' points to REFER, a verb meaning to direct someone's attention to a particular source, person, or place. To refer means to send or guide someone toward something specific for information, help, or consideration. The parenthetical '(to)' indicates the preposition that commonly follows the verb, as in 'refer to a manual' or 'refer to an expert.' This grammatical hint helps distinguish REFER from other synonyms for 'direct' that take different prepositions.

What does Direct (to) mean?

We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definitions below.

direct

verb

•to guide or point toward a particular destination or target

•to address or aim something at someone or something

Where did this clue appear?

This clue appeared as 21-across in the New York Times Daily on March 31, 2026, by Ryan Patrick Smith, edited by Will Shortz. See all answers for this puzzle.

Read the NYT Wordplay column for this puzzle.

NYT Daily — Mar 31, 2026

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What does Refer mean?

verb

•To direct the attention of.

•To submit to (another person or group) for consideration; to send or direct elsewhere.

Origin of the word Refer

•origin: Latin 'referre' meaning 'to carry back, bring back, report'

•period: 14th century

The word literally meant 'to carry back' in Latin, combining 're-' (back) and 'ferre' (to bear or carry), which is why we still use it when directing someone back to another source.

How to use Refer in a sentence

Here are 3 examples of how to use the word Refer.

•“The doctor will refer you to a specialist for further treatment.”

•“Please refer to page 15 for the complete instructions.”

•“When discussing the incident, she would only refer to it as 'the unfortunate event.'”

What are other crossword clues for Refer?

Learn about related clues

All clues from the New York Times Daily, Mar 31, 2026 crossword

The New York Times Daily for March 31, 2026 was published by Ryan Patrick Smith and has 78 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.

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Frequently asked questions about Direct (to)

What is the answer to Direct (to)?
The answer is Refer (5 letters).
Where did this clue appear?
This clue was last seen in the New York Times Daily on March 31, 2026.
How many letters does the answer to Direct (to) have?
The answer has 5 letters: Refer.

Author

Naitik Mehta

Naitik Mehta

Co-founder

Naitik is a gaming enthusiast who loves solving daily word games and enjoys the friendly competition from time to time. He is the co-founder of Crossword Chef and enjoys thinking about how to make crossword solving more fun for everyone around the world.