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.

However, those conclusions were based on instruments located far from the fault zone, meaning the observations were indirect.

From Science Daily • Mar. 27, 2026

One of the most overlooked costs of long-term care is indirect: You’re more vulnerable to scams when health setbacks reduce your vigilance.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

Pakistan’s deputy prime minister Ishaq Dar posted on X External link Thursday that “US-Iran indirect talks are taking place through messages being relayed by Pakistan.”

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

Sources say there have been indirect efforts to try to open a dialogue with Ghalibaf but there's still no official or public sign they've yielded any success.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Apart from any directly toxic effects, curious indirect results follow the use of certain herbicides.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

indirect

Example Sentences

Related Words