Definitions

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.

Indirect water consumption can vary a great deal, depending on how power is generated—coal and nuclear need a lot of water, while natural gas needs less.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 3, 2026

Indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran in Oman, mediated by Omani officials, concluded with Iran open to further discussions but unwilling to end nuclear enrichment.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

Indirect costs include overhead costs of maintaining buildings housing labs and general administration expenses.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2025

Indirect talks have continued in Cairo in recent days, but so far there has been no sign of a breakthrough over key sticking points.

From BBC • Aug. 28, 2024

Indirect; awkward; insincere; sarcastic; as, a ÿbackhandedÿ compliment.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd 100 Pages) by Webster, Noah

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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