indirect

adjective

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in·di·rect | \ ˌin-də-ˈrekt

, -(ˌ)dī- \

Definition of indirect

: not direct: such as

a(1) : deviating from a direct line or course : roundabout

(2) : not going straight to the point an indirect accusation

(3) : being or involving proof of a proposition or theorem by demonstration that its negation leads to an absurdity or contradiction

b : not straightforward and open : deceitful

c : not directly aimed at or achieved indirect consequences

d : stating what a real or supposed original speaker said with changes in wording that conform the statement grammatically to the sentence in which it is included indirect discourse an indirect question

e : not effected by the action of the people or the electorate indirect government representation

Other Words from indirect Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about indirect

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Other Words from indirect

indirectly \ ˌin-də-ˈrekt-lē

, -(ˌ)dī- \ adverb

indirectness \ ˌin-də-ˈrekt-nəs

, -(ˌ)dī- \ noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for indirect

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples of indirect in a Sentence

We took an indirect route. These plants grow best in bright indirect light. He gave only vague, indirect answers to our questions. They used indirect methods of investigation. There were many indirect references to his earlier books. Looking at her watch was her indirect way of telling him it was time to leave. Poor nutrition may have been an indirect cause of the disease. The cigarette stubs were indirect evidence that someone had been smoking in the room. “He said that he would call later,” is an example of indirect speech since his actual words were “I'll call later.” an indirect question such as “She asked whether the doctor had arrived”

Recent Examples on the Web Her new bed was chosen for the soft, indirect reading light built into the headboard. — The Economist, 8 May 2021 Surprisingly, this is a plant that easily adapts to low temperatures and indirect light. — Tamara Gane, Southern Living, 7 May 2021 Keep your aloe plant in a spot with bright, indirect light. — Kelly Allen, House Beautiful, 29 Apr. 2021 Indoors, give lucky bamboo low or medium indirect light, not direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, 20 Apr. 2021 What herd immunity implies is that when most of a population is immune to an infectious disease this provides indirect protection to those who are not immune to the disease. — Joshua Cohen, Forbes, 8 May 2021 Regulators in San Diego have been watching developments closely, saying that an indirect source rule for port operators could be in the works. — Joshua Emerson Smith, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2021 Democrats say the break is an indirect, inefficient way of encouraging domestic jobs and investment. — Richard Rubin, WSJ, 7 May 2021 Ask yourself questions like, Does my home receive bright direct, bright indirect, moderate, or low light? — Kelsey Clark, Glamour, 7 May 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'indirect.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

23 May 2021

Cite this Entry

“Indirect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indirect. Accessed 13 Jun. 2021.

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More Definitions for indirect

indirect

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of indirect

: not going straight from one point to another

: not said or done in a clear and direct way

: not having a clear and direct connection

See the full definition for indirect in the English Language Learners Dictionary

indirect

adjective

in·di·rect | \ ˌin-də-ˈrekt

, -dī- \

Kids Definition of indirect

1 : not straight or direct an indirect route

2 : not straightforward an indirect answer

3 : not having a plainly seen connection an indirect cause

indirect

adjective

in·di·rect | \ ˌin-də-ˈrekt, -dī-

Medical Definition of indirect

1 : not direct: as

a : not resulting directly from an action or cause (as a disease) indirect effects of malaria

b : involving intermediate or intervening parts or pathways stimulation of one eye elicits narrowing of the pupil of the other eye by an indirect reaction indirect attachment of a muscle through tendons

2 : involving or being immunofluorescence in which antibodies of two kinds are used of which the first combine with a specific protein and the second contain a fluorescent label and combine with the antibodies of the first type