How many letters does the top answer for “toward, or in the direction of, the east.” have?

The most common answer is easterly (8 letters).

Crossword clue: toward, or in the direction of, the east.

1 answer found in Letterora's clue database (Wikidata facts, Open Trivia DB, WordNet and Webster definitions — all licensed sources).

easterly 8 letters web-def

a wind from the east

direction toward the rear 50% similar → rearward

moving toward the east 50% similar → eastbound, eastward

the direction toward the sea 50% similar → seaward