When it comes to expressing the concept of movement towards the west, there are numerous alternatives to the phrase "in a westerly direction." Some common synonyms include westward, westwards, to the west, towards the west, due west, and westwardly. Other options include heading west, moving westward, traveling in a westerly direction, and making a westwardly motion. Depending on the context, different synonyms may be more appropriate. For instance, "westward" is often used in historical and literary contexts, while "moving westward" could be a good choice for descriptions of geographic or economic trends. Ultimately, the right synonym for "in a westerly direction" will depend on the writer's intent and the context in which the phrase appears.