as in diagonally
in a line or direction running from corner to corner
the photographer has framed the shot so that the river runs obliquely through it, creating a great sense of depth for the viewer
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Recent Examples of obliquely
Picture him in his threadbare suit, nervously smoking his Tecla cigarettes, his eyes obliquely devouring everything, his notes on a small table that resembles a pulpit.
—
Literary Hub, 11 May 2026
But, like John Paul’s words in Poland in 1979, Leo’s words in 2026 have addressed a global conflict squarely if obliquely.
—Paul Elie, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
Bianco also obliquely referred to attacks Hilton has lobbed against the sheriff on the campaign trail.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026
While López-Owens refers obliquely to Sweeney Bell, the clerk's other Democratic challenger attacks directly.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 Mar. 2026
On publication of the manuscript, the ghostwriter is typically named, albeit obliquely – perhaps identified as a friend or consultant in the acknowledgments section.
—Emily Hodgson Anderson, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2026
The new president trod carefully, acknowledging only obliquely the legal end of the transatlantic slave trade in 1808.
—Regina E. Mason, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2026
In related news, drummer Josh Freese recently commented obliquely on his short stint as a Foo Fighter.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2026
That’s what Lenny, a biopic of comedian Lenny Bruce, is obliquely about.
—Lili Anolik, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026
Literary Hub, 11 May 2026
But, like John Paul’s words in Poland in 1979, Leo’s words in 2026 have addressed a global conflict squarely if obliquely.
—Paul Elie, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
Bianco also obliquely referred to attacks Hilton has lobbed against the sheriff on the campaign trail.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2026
While López-Owens refers obliquely to Sweeney Bell, the clerk's other Democratic challenger attacks directly.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 Mar. 2026
On publication of the manuscript, the ghostwriter is typically named, albeit obliquely – perhaps identified as a friend or consultant in the acknowledgments section.
—Emily Hodgson Anderson, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2026
The new president trod carefully, acknowledging only obliquely the legal end of the transatlantic slave trade in 1808.
—Regina E. Mason, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2026
In related news, drummer Josh Freese recently commented obliquely on his short stint as a Foo Fighter.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2026
That’s what Lenny, a biopic of comedian Lenny Bruce, is obliquely about.
—Lili Anolik, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obliquely
diagonally
Adverb
-
However, due to manufacturing deadlines, each expansion team played its first season in a more generic jersey with the city name stitched diagonally across the front of the sweater, paying homage to the designs worn by the league’s original six teams in 2024.—
Max Bultman,
New York Times,
6 May 2026
-
The Avs’ leading scorer fired at the Minnesota goal, caught his own rebound, stopped, turned left, and slid the puck diagonally to a hard-charging Artturi Lehkonen.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Obliquely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obliquely. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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