as in roundabout
not straightforward or direct
the cab driver took a very indirect route to the hotel a long-winded, indirect answer to a very simple question
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of indirect
An indirect viewing method, such as a pinhole projector to cast images of the Sun, can also be used to see the partial phases of the eclipse, NASA said.
—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
18 June 2026
In their native habitat in Western Africa, snake plants grow in dry climates and love plenty of light—both direct and indirect sun.
—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
There may be one indirect advantage, however.
—
Kathleen Ferraro,
Verywell Health,
15 June 2026
This includes about 29,000 direct construction jobs, more than 80,000 indirect and induced construction jobs and nearly 10,000 jobs related to wind farm operations.
—
Jennifer McDermott,
Fortune,
15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for indirect
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
18 June 2026
In their native habitat in Western Africa, snake plants grow in dry climates and love plenty of light—both direct and indirect sun.
—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
There may be one indirect advantage, however.
—
Kathleen Ferraro,
Verywell Health,
15 June 2026
This includes about 29,000 direct construction jobs, more than 80,000 indirect and induced construction jobs and nearly 10,000 jobs related to wind farm operations.
—
Jennifer McDermott,
Fortune,
15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for indirect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indirect
Adjective
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His unwillingness to back Hilton drew a roundabout rebuke from California Republican Party Chair Corrin Rankin.
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And that, in a roundabout way, was the point.
Adjective
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Wipe in circular motions with a lint-free microfiber cloth to loosen grime, then finish with long, horizontal swipes.
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The circular logic of it would be darkly comic if tens of thousands of livelihoods weren't caught in the middle.
Cite this Entry
“Indirect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indirect. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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