indirection
noun
in·di·rec·tion
ˌin-də-ˈrek-shən 
-(ˌ)dī-
1
a
: indirect action or procedure
b
: lack of direction : aimlessness
2
a
: lack of straightforwardness and openness : deceitfulness
… securing money from his father by sly indirection.—
H. A. Overstreet
H. A. Overstreet
b
: something (such as an act or statement) marked by lack of straightforwardness
Her rhetoric had many layers of indirection.
Examples of indirection in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
What was once done by indirection and guile is now carried with the high hand, in the face of day, at the mouth of the cannon and by the edge of the sabre of the nation.
—Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
Size: Up to 10 feet tall Care requirements: Bright, indirection light; maintain a lightly damp growing mix.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 4 Feb. 2026
But your art is very much that of indirection, Benjamin.
—Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
Their plan for stealing it right out from under her involves everything from impersonating a Vanity Fair photographer to having Daniel crash the party with a big speech that’s a masterpiece of indirection.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indirection
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Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
Size: Up to 10 feet tall Care requirements: Bright, indirection light; maintain a lightly damp growing mix.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 4 Feb. 2026
But your art is very much that of indirection, Benjamin.
—Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
Their plan for stealing it right out from under her involves everything from impersonating a Vanity Fair photographer to having Daniel crash the party with a big speech that’s a masterpiece of indirection.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indirection
Cite this Entry
“Indirection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indirection. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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