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.

Efforts to establish negotiations have been ongoing since a ceasefire agreement in November 2024, with US envoys previously mediating indirect talks between the two sides.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Other indirect costs, related to the cost of fuel and packaging, tend to hit later.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

The two picks were named co-CEOs while Overdeck and Siegel remained Two Sigma’s principal owners and co-chairmen, maintaining indirect control over the firm.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

However, it may be the indirect consequences of higher oil prices that hit the U.S. economy the hardest.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 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

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Geography and World Regions

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Workshop 2, Part 2

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!