indirect

[in-duh-rekt, -dahy-] / ˌɪn dəˈrɛkt, -daɪ- /

ADJECTIVE

roundabout; unintended

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ambiguous ancillary circuitous implied incidental oblique tortuous

STRONG

collateral

WEAK

circular circumlocutory complicated contingent crooked devious discursive duplicitous erratic eventual long long way home long-drawn-out long-winded meandering obscure out-of-the-way periphrastic rambling secondary serpentine sidelong sinister sinuous snaking sneaking sneaky subsidiary twisting underhand vagrant wandering winding zigzag

Antonyms

STRONGEST

direct straight straightforward

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This kind of indirect observation is not new.

From Science Daily • May 26, 2026

In response to the Justice probe, Binance said it “categorically did not directly transact with any sanctioned entities,” describing the money flows through it as indirect.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

It also criticized investment funds that offer indirect access to its shares.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

There are also indirect effects as insurers drop customers in hurricane-prone areas or withdraw from states.

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

I plucked up my courage and tried for an indirect approach.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

Vocabulary lists containing indirect

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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Geography and World Regions

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Workshop 2, Part 2

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