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
Regional banks are at risk of taking an indirect hit from tariffs, via the economic impact of the duties on their clients.
—
Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 23 May 2025
Preparing Strike on Iran Amid US Tensions: Report US and Iran Clash Over Nuclear Red Lines
Set to travel to Rome for 5th round of indirect talks with the United States.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
The Supreme Court appears open, however, to this kind of indirect funding.
—Cory Turner, NPR, 23 May 2025
Another 2024 Un Certain Regard film from India is in indirect conversation with Ghaywan’s.
—Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for indirect
Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 23 May 2025
Preparing Strike on Iran Amid US Tensions: Report US and Iran Clash Over Nuclear Red Lines
Set to travel to Rome for 5th round of indirect talks with the United States.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
The Supreme Court appears open, however, to this kind of indirect funding.
—Cory Turner, NPR, 23 May 2025
Another 2024 Un Certain Regard film from India is in indirect conversation with Ghaywan’s.
—Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for indirect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indirect
Adjective
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This is all just a roundabout way of saying that Playhouse was, in a sense, music to my ears — a dog whistle that snapped me to attention.—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
24 May 2025
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Weak track record Wary of backlash from their constituents, Republicans have agreed on a strategy that would largely cut Medicaid spending in a roundabout way.—
Jane Tavares,
The Conversation,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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In 2023, the country held its first Bangladesh Circular Economy Summit, gathering stakeholders from the South Asian nation along with global brands and governmental representatives to work toward a more circular garment industry.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
23 May 2025
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Reviewers have noted how smoothly the shuttle descends, gliding down on a circular trajectory and gently touching down.—
Ian Stokes,
Space.com,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Indirect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indirect. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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