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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Recent Examples of indirect
Sunlight The string of hearts plant thrives in medium to bright indirect light, says Amanda Rodriguez, plant expert and the marketing and graphic design lead at the Plant Stand.
—
Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 6 Feb. 2026
Replacing this theatrical revenue with amortized, indirect streaming favors the platform over the content creator, causing theatrical to lose the high-margin box office.
—Joseph M. Singer, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2026
That policy states employees may not engage in a direct or indirect supervisory relationship with an immediate family member.
—Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 6 Feb. 2026
Muscat, Oman — Iran and the United States held indirect talks in Oman on Friday, negotiations that appeared to return to the starting point on how to approach discussions over Tehran's nuclear program.
—CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for indirect
Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 6 Feb. 2026
Replacing this theatrical revenue with amortized, indirect streaming favors the platform over the content creator, causing theatrical to lose the high-margin box office.
—Joseph M. Singer, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2026
That policy states employees may not engage in a direct or indirect supervisory relationship with an immediate family member.
—Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 6 Feb. 2026
Muscat, Oman — Iran and the United States held indirect talks in Oman on Friday, negotiations that appeared to return to the starting point on how to approach discussions over Tehran's nuclear program.
—CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for indirect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indirect
Adjective
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This monologue on housing theory was a roundabout way of explaining a photo of Censori with her mother, aunt, and sister, in which Censori looks like the daughter of a Real Housewife of New Jersey, with a clementine tan and leopard-print bustier.—
Anna Peele,
Vanity Fair,
6 Feb. 2026
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Police identified the man as a drug dealer in a roundabout way.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Just a mile and a half down a country lane is Oldstead and the Black Swan, but ask about the circular walking route that Tommy’s dad drew.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Feb. 2026
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Meanwhile, Donnie has made his way to a big, circular room within the mansion where several men are participating in orgy events.—
Demetrius Patterson,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Indirect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indirect. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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