indirect evidence

noun

: evidence that establishes immediately collateral facts from which the main fact may be inferred : circumstantial evidence

Examples of indirect evidence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Part of that indirect evidence comes from modern animals’ ability to survive extreme and catastrophic situations by remaining in their burrows. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024 Instead, Williams’ conviction was based on indirect evidence. Jenna Greene, Reuters, 3 Oct. 2024 But scientists who have tried to reconstruct circulation patterns over longer periods, by looking at indirect evidence, have concluded that the AMOC is slowing. Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024 Despite the ongoing mystery, the abundance of eyewitness reports and indirect evidence points to the possibility that ball lightning is indeed real. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for indirect evidence 

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of indirect evidence was in 1824

Dictionary Entries Near indirect evidence

Cite this Entry

“Indirect evidence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indirect%20evidence. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

Legal Definition

indirect evidence

see evidence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!