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.

The Singapore systems integrator faces some indirect risks stemming from the Middle East conflict, such as higher input costs, they say.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

When her clients raise the subject, they tend to be indirect rather than admit they’re struggling.

From MarketWatch • May 1, 2026

Banks and foreign partners have been warned against even indirect dealings with the former president, with violations carrying heavy civil or criminal penalties.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

Many of the comparisons were indirect, some outcomes lacked long term data, and smaller studies may have influenced early results.

From Science Daily • Apr. 30, 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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