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.

The order also prevented him from having any direct or indirect dealings with a number of other boats run by his company.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

The milestone came as mediator Pakistan delivered a message to Iran's supreme leader following weeks of indirect negotiations punctuated by tit-for-tat threats and sporadic exchanges of fire.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

My first indirect encounter with a Boy Mom happened via a Facebook post from a mother with an important message for the teen girls of social media.

From Salon • Jun. 4, 2026

This kind of indirect observation is not new.

From Science Daily • May 26, 2026

I was about to begin going over the steps of indirect proof when I heard Danny say, “You’re always sleeping! What a sleepyhead you are!” and I opened my eyes.

From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok

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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